AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[The lure of the plug: two-thirds of Chevy Volt buyers trade in non-GM vehicle]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/chevy-volt-buyers-trade-in-non-gm-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/chevy-volt-buyers-trade-in-non-gm-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/chevy-volt-buyers-trade-in-non-gm-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

red chevy volt

Whaddya think, that Volt buyers were trading in a Cadillac for their new plug-ins? Nope. Most buyers of Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in vehicles are coming in from outside of the General Motors family, the automaker says.

About two-thirds of Volt buyers are trading in non-GM cars, and more than 90 percent of recently surveyed Volt drivers said they'd buy another one. This fits with the results of a Consumer Reports survey on vehicle owner satisfaction released late last year. GM says the Toyota Prius hybrid is the most common vehicle sacrificed traded-in for the Volt, followed by the Toyota Camry, Honda Civic and BMW 3 Series cars.

GM is looking to drum up more sales for the Volt, which missed sales targets last year but is showing signs of life in 2011. Through April 2012, Volt sales tripled from a year earlier to 5,377 units, or about two-thirds of what GM sold during all of 2011.

Continue reading The lure of the plug: two-thirds of Chevy Volt buyers trade in non-GM vehicle

The lure of the plug: two-thirds of Chevy Volt buyers trade in non-GM vehicle originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 24 May 2012 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet voltchevy voltelectric vehiclegeneral motorsplug-in hybridpriustoyotatoyota priustrade involtThu, 24 May 2012 19:46:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20244533/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20244533/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/chevy-volt-buyers-trade-in-non-gm-vehicles/20244533/article-detail.xml 20244533 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/volt0309-1337884449_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/volt0309-1337884449.jpg <![CDATA[Mississippi State University wins Year 1 of EcoCar 2 with plug-in hybrid Chevy Malibu]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/mississippi-state-university-wins-year-1-of-ecocar-2-with-plug-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/mississippi-state-university-wins-year-1-of-ecocar-2-with-plug-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/mississippi-state-university-wins-year-1-of-ecocar-2-with-plug-i/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The winner of the first year of the EcoCar 2 Challenge is the design for a series-parallel plug-in hybrid electric vehicle from Mississippi State University.

EcoCar 2: Plugging In to the Future is a three-year competition where college students try to make the most efficient modifications to a base vehicle - in this case a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The first year is spent emphasizing "engineering design though modeling and simulation to select and virtually test their plug-in hybrid electric vehicle architecture." Now that the deck work is over, the actual mods can get started. Fifteen schools are participating in the competition, which is the second three-year event of this type. The first was the Ecocar NeXT challenge, which Virginia Tech won with an E85-burning extended-range electric Equinox.

Parhaps you've noticed that there are only General Motors vehicles involved here. EcoCar 2 is co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, GM and 25 other government and industry leaders. Last year, Virginia Tech managed to squeeze 81.9 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent out of their Equinox. We can't wait to see what the teams can do with their Malibus.

Continue reading Mississippi State University wins Year 1 of EcoCar 2 with plug-in hybrid Chevy Malibu

Mississippi State University wins Year 1 of EcoCar 2 with plug-in hybrid Chevy Malibu originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 24 May 2012 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet malibuchevy malibuecocarecocar 2ecocar2malibumississippi state universityplug-in hybridvirginia techThu, 24 May 2012 17:56:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20244475/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20244475/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/mississippi-state-university-wins-year-1-of-ecocar-2-with-plug-i/20244475/article-detail.xml 20244475 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ecocar2-side-profile_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ecocar2-side-profile.jpg <![CDATA[Zero Motorcycles offers buyers 25,000 miles of 'free' electricity]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/zero-motorcycles-offers-buyers-25-000-miles-of-free-electricit/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/zero-motorcycles-offers-buyers-25-000-miles-of-free-electricit/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/zero-motorcycles-offers-buyers-25-000-miles-of-free-electricit/#commentsFiled under: ,

zero motorcycle

When it comes to promotions, "25,000 free miles" certainly sounds sexier than $200 cash back, doesn't it?

However it's framed, that's what Zero Motorcycles is offering to buyers of the company's battery-electric two-wheelers during 2012, according to Two Wheel Mania. Zero calculated how expensive the electricity would be that's needed to power the bike for 25,000 miles and came up with $200, so that's what Zero is putting on a Visa gift card for buyers.

Zero, which conducted its "National Demo Day" last weekend, is trying to keep sales going strong this year after the company more than tripled first-quarter sales from 2011. Late last year, Zero said its 2012 models include a battery option that provides more than 110 miles of single-charge range in city driving and more than 60 miles on the highway. Prices for this year's Zero models range from $7,695 to $13,995. Minus $200, of course.

Zero Motorcycles offers buyers 25,000 miles of 'free' electricity originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 24 May 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>200 cash backelectric motorcycleelectric vehicleincentivesvisavisa gift cardzerozero motorcyclesThu, 24 May 2012 16:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20243977/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20243977/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/zero-motorcycles-offers-buyers-25-000-miles-of-free-electricit/20243977/article-detail.xml 20243977 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/zeromotorcycle_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/zeromotorcycle.jpg <![CDATA[Saab to be saved by mystery Swedish electric car company]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/saab-to-be-saved-by-mystery-swedish-electric-car-company/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/saab-to-be-saved-by-mystery-swedish-electric-car-company/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/saab-to-be-saved-by-mystery-swedish-electric-car-company/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Saab 9-4X - white - front three-quarter view

The all-but-lifeless corpse of Saab continues to stagger forward in hopes of finding a juicy investor to sink its teeth into. Autocar reports that National Electric Vehicle Sweden is currently close to buying the brand's remaining assets. The freshly minted electric car consortium is helmed by none other than Karl-Erling Trogen, the former head of Volvo Trucks. Beyond that, few details are known about the company or its plans for Saab. National Electric Sweden is owned by two bodies, Sun Investment and Mikael Kubu, the president of law firm Ac-Gruppen.

We can only speculate about what the consortium wants with Saab, though fan site SaabsUnited reports the company may have its eyes on an electric rear axle program developed with in conjunction with eAAM. Whether that means we'll see electric or hybrid Saab models whirring around in the future is still uncertain. If we did, it would probably take quite a while. As SaabsUnited notes, "Saab, the company, right now has nothing in it, no dealership network, no finance structure, no personnel-structure, no communications network, nothing... everything needs to be completely rebuilt from scratch, which will take a huge amount of time."

At this point, we'll just be pleasantly surprised if the Griffin brand gets a new owner at all.

Saab to be saved by mystery Swedish electric car company originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 24 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-4x9-5ac-gruppenelectricelectric carelectric saabelectric vehiclehybridhybrid saabnational electric vehicle swedensaabsaab evsun investmentThu, 24 May 2012 14:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20244467/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20244467/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/saab-to-be-saved-by-mystery-swedish-electric-car-company/20244467/article-detail.xml 20244467 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/saab-9-4x-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/saab-9-4x-628.jpg <![CDATA[Reevaluating the Mitsubishi i-MiEV in context, at home]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/mitsubishi-i-miev-review/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/mitsubishi-i-miev-review/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/mitsubishi-i-miev-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

An affordable, semi-practical, entry-level EV

2012 Mitsubishi i

I've driven a fair number of electrics over the last couple decades, beginning with General Motors' bullet-shaped 1991 Impact concept car and continuing through a progression of Geo Storm-based mules, prototype and production EV1s with both lead-acid and later range-doubling Ni-MH battery packs. And since returning to this side of the business, my list has expanded to include the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf, MINI E, BMW ActiveE, Tesla Roadster, Smart ED and a right-drive, Japanese-market Mitsubishi i-MiEV.

All have shared the EV blessings of strong, near-silent, shiftless acceleration, home "refueling" and no more gas station stops with fluctuating fuel prices. All have also shared the EV curses of big, heavy, expensive batteries, the resulting high purchase/lease prices and (excluding the Volt) limited range, long recharge times and occasional range anxiety.

Most recent EV encounters have been brief - a few miles around town or a parking lot. But last year I was fortunate to enjoy a working week with a Volt and a couple days with a Leaf (see past columns). And I was recently offered a three-day loan of a U.S.-spec Mitsubishi i.

Continue reading Reevaluating the Mitsubishi i-MiEV in context, at home

Reevaluating the Mitsubishi i-MiEV in context, at home originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 24 May 2012 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>at witz endelectric vehiclegary witzenburgii-mievmitsubishimitsubishi imitsubishi i-mievThu, 24 May 2012 11:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20244325/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20244325/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/mitsubishi-i-miev-review/20244325/article-detail.xml 20244325 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2012-mitsubishi-i-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2012-mitsubishi-i-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Plug-in vehicle drivers often get lower insurance rates]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/plug-in-vehicle-drivers-often-get-lower-insurance-rates/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/plug-in-vehicle-drivers-often-get-lower-insurance-rates/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/plug-in-vehicle-drivers-often-get-lower-insurance-rates/#commentsFiled under: , ,

silver chevy volt

Plug-in vehicle drivers are probably less likely to get cited for shredding rubber or doing 80 in a 50 zone and, apparently, insurance companies are taking note.

Drivers of vehicles like the Nissan Leaf battery electric and Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in hybrid pay, on average, lower insurance premiums than their conventional-vehicle counterparts, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Companies like Hartford Insurance have started offering a five percent discount for U.S. electric vehicle drivers, apparently taking into account statistics that show that these drivers tend not to speed or rear-end other folks, the publication reported.

Of course, there are some insurance companies that charge more to insure plug-ins because of their higher price tag, compared to gas-powered vehicles of a similar class. Still, on average, EV drivers appear to be paying less. Specifically, a typical Leaf driver pays about 15 percent less than a driver of a Nissan Maxima, whose base price is about 15 percent less than the Leaf's.



Plug-in vehicle drivers often get lower insurance rates originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 24 May 2012 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edmunds.comelectric vehicleelectric vehicle insuranceinsuranceinsurance premiumsplug-in hybridplug-in vehicle insuranceThu, 24 May 2012 10:13:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20243887/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20243887/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/plug-in-vehicle-drivers-often-get-lower-insurance-rates/20243887/article-detail.xml 20243887 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/chevyvolt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/chevyvolt.jpg <![CDATA[Hollywood Electrics offers up Zero Cafe Racer, other customizations]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/hollywood-electrics-zero-cafe-racer-customization/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/hollywood-electrics-zero-cafe-racer-customization/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/hollywood-electrics-zero-cafe-racer-customization/#commentsFiled under: , ,

hollywood electric zero cafe racer

Hollywood Electrics isn't Zero Motorcycles' top dealership by accident. The retail shop is all in on all-electrics, and it doesn't stop at simple sales and service. It also offers unique personalizations of the bikes it sells, along with complete custom creations. Its newest product takes that revamp ethos to eleven: introducing the Zero Cafe Racer with iPad integration.

The first bike to benefit from this reimagining is a 2010 trade in, but the package can be fitted to 2012 models as well. The bike has been stripped of most of its original bodywork and given a classic cafe racer seat and tail stock, with sweet LED brake and signal lights neatly assimilated. The tank gets a modern twist with an embedded - and removable - iPad that handles all your instrumentation, gives an in-depth look at your battery status, and lets you check things like range radius and charger proximity. It also allows you to tweak some basic tuning parameters.

Other alterations include Vortex clip-on handle bars and Bridgestone Battleax rubber wrapped around larger Excel rims. Its off-the-line giddyup has also been enhanced with some gearing changes for more suitable city performance.

Check out the gallery for a better look around the bike. We've also thrown in a few pics with some of Hollywood's other work, including the awesome none-more-black Darth edition.

Hollywood Electrics offers up Zero Cafe Racer, other customizations originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 24 May 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafe racerelectric cafe racerelectric motorcycleshollywood electricsipadzero cafe racerzero motorcycle ipadzero motorcyclesThu, 24 May 2012 08:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20243712/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20243712/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/hollywood-electrics-zero-cafe-racer-customization/20243712/article-detail.xml 20243712 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/hollywood-zero-cafe-racer-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/hollywood-zero-cafe-racer-628.jpg <![CDATA[A 41-minute video about why the Fisker Karma infotainment system gets an F]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/41-minute-video-fisker-karma-infotainment-system-fail/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/41-minute-video-fisker-karma-infotainment-system-fail/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/41-minute-video-fisker-karma-infotainment-system-fail/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

fisker karma infotainment center review

The Fisker Karma might look good from the outside, but the view from the driver's seat is anything but infotaining.

That's the detailed, expert opinion of Brian Greenstone, an Austin, TX-based programmer who owns both a Karma and an Aston Vantage, according to The Truth About Cars. Greenstone also has enough time and passion for his cars that he recorded a 41-minute video about just why the Karma's infotainment and climate control panel, the Command Center, is so tremendously bad (he also made a 27-minute video reviewing the car as a whole. Both are available below). Greenstone gives the system an F. That's up from an F- before a recent software update. These are grades only an owner can give, someone who's spent time getting to know the car. He says:
  • Automatic climate control? It "basically doesn't work."
  • Bluetooth? The screen "gives you no information."
  • Changing audio inputs using the steering wheel controls? "I have no idea what audio mode I'm in."
  • System settings? "I've got to take a breath before I start talking about this. This is awful. This makes you wonder what two-year-old designed it."
In short, Greenstone doesn't like the Command Center. Fisker, since these are mostly software issues, the ball is in your court to improve things. Do a good job and Greenstone might just bump you up to a D-.

Continue reading A 41-minute video about why the Fisker Karma infotainment system gets an F

A 41-minute video about why the Fisker Karma infotainment system gets an F originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 23 May 2012 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian greenstonecommand centerelectric vehiclefisker karmainfotainmentkarmaplug-in hybridWed, 23 May 2012 17:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20243845/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20243845/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/41-minute-video-fisker-karma-infotainment-system-fail/20243845/article-detail.xml 20243845 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/fisker-karma-infotainment-review_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/fisker-karma-infotainment-review.png <![CDATA[Mercedes A-Class going electric with Tesla's help; for real this time?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/mercedes-a-class-going-electric-with-teslas-help-for-real-this/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/mercedes-a-class-going-electric-with-teslas-help-for-real-this/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/mercedes-a-class-going-electric-with-teslas-help-for-real-this/#commentsFiled under: ,

mercedes e-cell

Reports of Mercedes-Benz and Tesla building an electric A-Class together are nothing new. In fact, a fleet of 500 A-Class-based E-Cells was built for Europe. Most recently, a Tesla earnings report revealed that Tesla was still working on an all-electric powertrain for an unnamed EV for Daimler, the evolution of a deal that began when Daimler invested in the Silicon Valley automaker in 2009. The two automakers also worked together on the Smart ED.

So, what's this then in a Dutch website? A report on Groen7 says that "a source at Tesla" has revealed that the previously unnamed EV Tesla is busy with (among other things) is an updated, electric version of the new A-Class, one that will perhaps arrive in 2013. We had previously guessed the secret Tesla-Daimler deal would result in an all-electric B-Class, but being wrong there won't stop us from trying to predict the future again: the hints are present that this next A-Class EV will remain a small-scale project. We hope we're proved wrong.

Mercedes A-Class going electric with Tesla's help; for real this time? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 23 May 2012 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-classb-classe-cellelectric vehiclemercedes evteslatesla daimlertesla mercedesWed, 23 May 2012 16:17:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20243787/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20243787/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/mercedes-a-class-going-electric-with-teslas-help-for-real-this/20243787/article-detail.xml 20243787 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/79460014577175616374410c100020_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/79460014577175616374410c100020.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan announces production of funky e-NV200 electric van]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/nissan-announces-production-of-funky-e-nv200-electric-van/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/nissan-announces-production-of-funky-e-nv200-electric-van/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/nissan-announces-production-of-funky-e-nv200-electric-van/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nissan e-NV200 concept

There are two ways automakers can go when producing a vehicle with electric propulsion - be it a hybrid or an outright EV: make it look the same as any other car, or make it stand out. Like Toyota (for example) did with the Prius, Nissan made the Leaf look (for better or worse) unlike a conventional sedan. But while Toyota answered the call for more space with the equally "distinctive" Prius V, Nissan has gone a different route in producing a bigger brother for the Leaf.

That route is called the e-NV200, pictured above in concept form. And while the nose, unique shade of blue and electric powertrain are conceptually borrowed from the Leaf, the rest is nearly identical to the existing NV200 van that is being rolled out in New York as the city's new taxi of choice.

Nissan has just announced the production of the e-NV200, set to start next year at the same plant in Barcelona, Spain, as the conventionally-powered NV200. As a result, Nissan will hire 700 more workers at the plant and invest some €100 million (U.S. $126 million at today's exchange rates). Details like projected cost and annual capacity are not to be found in the press release below, but Nissan does say the electric van will be built starting some time in fiscal year 2013. That means some time before the end of March 2014.

Continue reading Nissan announces production of funky e-NV200 electric van

Nissan announces production of funky e-NV200 electric van originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 23 May 2012 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barcelonae-nv200leafnissannissan e-nv200nissan nv200nv200productionspainWed, 23 May 2012 13:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20243648/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20243648/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/nissan-announces-production-of-funky-e-nv200-electric-van/20243648/article-detail.xml 20243648 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nissan-env-200-concept-stock-05_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nissan-env-200-concept-stock-05.jpg <![CDATA[GM strikes out against CHAdeMO DC fast charging; opponents say SAE has 'the plug without the cars']]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/gm-strikes-out-against-chademo-dc-fast-charging/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/gm-strikes-out-against-chademo-dc-fast-charging/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/gm-strikes-out-against-chademo-dc-fast-charging/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nissan leaf with cable attached

The battle lines are hardening.

At issue here are the competing DC fast charge standards, CHAdeMO (which is established and works with the Nissan Leaf and the Mitsubishi i) and the new SAE Combo Charger (which is not yet available on any cars for sale, and won't be for a while). CHAdeMo is, mostly, supported by Japanese companies, while the SAE Combo plug gets its backing from U.S. and German automakers. The two sides are currently in a war of words, but an important one.

Shad Balch, GM's manager of environment and energy policy, said during a recent public hearing in California that there should be a CHAdeMO embargo, "we need to make sure, especially because we're talking about taxpayer money, that ONLY those standards [i.e., the SAE combo plug] are installed going forward," Torque News reports. The crowd booed Balch, but he went on to say that, "there is a very small group of cars that use a non-standardized level 3 charging connector." We've heard that the first vehicle to get the SAE connector will be the Chevrolet Spark, sometime in 2013.

At CHAdeMO's General Assembly 2012, held yesterday in Tokyo, the Asian team responded. According to Hybrid Cars, CHAdeMO president Toshiyuki Shiga (who is also the COO of Nissan) said, "in the U.S. and in Europe there is a movement to eliminate the CHAdeMO by making the combo a regional standard." At the event, the SAE Combo option was repeatedly called "the plug without the cars."

GM and Balch are clearly fighting against Nissan's pure EV dominance, but they can't change the fact is that CHAdeMO is leading the way. Recently, at the SAE World Congress, Nissan was displaying some facts about CHAdeMO. As of the end of March 2012, 33 companies (including charging station suppliers) supported CHAdeMO and there were 1,071 CHAdeMO quick chargers installed around the world. Since the SAE Combo Charger is so new, there are no stations or cars that support it - yet - but most of the charging station companies we've talked to recently said they'll get behind whatever technology customers want. This war of words will likely determine which plug that is.

GM strikes out against CHAdeMO DC fast charging; opponents say SAE has 'the plug without the cars' originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 23 May 2012 12:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chademochevroletcomboelectric vehicleleafnissanplug-in hybridsae combosae combo chargerWed, 23 May 2012 12:13:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242701/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242701/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/gm-strikes-out-against-chademo-dc-fast-charging/20242701/article-detail.xml 20242701 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/leafchargingports_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/leafchargingports.jpg <![CDATA[Chip Yates announces plan to trace historic Lindbergh transatlantic flight in electric aircraft]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/chip-yates-announces-plan-to-trace-historic-lindbergh-transatlan/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/chip-yates-announces-plan-to-trace-historic-lindbergh-transatlan/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/chip-yates-announces-plan-to-trace-historic-lindbergh-transatlan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

chip yates electric plane

Chip Yates retired his electric motorcycle last year after setting records at the Mohave Mile and Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and notching several (slower than Lightning) FIM World Land Speed achievements on the Bonneville Salt Flats. If you thought he was done with his pursuit of battery-powered feats, however, you have underestimated just how crazy this Californian is. Case in point? He's just announced a plan to trace the path Charles Lindbergh took during his historic flight from New York to Paris in an electric airplane.

Not just any electric airplane though. To get around the energy density limits of today's batteries, the craft is to be refueled during in-flight rendezvous with drones, which will either recharge or swap packs. No, we're not making this up.

In the time it takes to make this flight of fancy flight of the century happen, Chip will keep busy with other high-flying adventures. He is currently converting a Burt Rutan Long-EZ (now dubbed the Long-ESA, for "Electric Speed & Altitude") to battery power, with which he will attempt altitude and speed records this summer. He is also in the midst of taking another important step in achieving immortal airborne fame: getting his pilot's license.

Scroll below for more transatlantic flight details in the official press release. You can keep up with Chip's flying adventures on his Twitter feed and at his new Flight of the Century website.

Continue reading Chip Yates announces plan to trace historic Lindbergh transatlantic flight in electric aircraft

Chip Yates announces plan to trace historic Lindbergh transatlantic flight in electric aircraft originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 23 May 2012 07:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chip yateselectric airplaneelectric airplane speed recordelectric altitude recordelectric vehicletransatlantictransatlantic electric flightWed, 23 May 2012 07:51:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242936/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242936/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/chip-yates-announces-plan-to-trace-historic-lindbergh-transatlan/20242936/article-detail.xml 20242936 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/chip-yates-infinite-electric-plane-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/chip-yates-infinite-electric-plane-628.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla Model S deliveries will start June 22; crash testing returns five stars *UPDATE]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/tesla-model-s-deliveries-will-start-june-22-regen-brake-level-n/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/tesla-model-s-deliveries-will-start-june-22-regen-brake-level-n/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/tesla-model-s-deliveries-will-start-june-22-regen-brake-level-n/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The early delivery hints were spot on. Tesla's vice president of worldwide sales and ownership experience, George Blankenship, has declared June 22 - just one month away - as the day when the first Model S will be delivered. He wrote on the official Tesla blog today that, "We are ahead of schedule and can't wait to put our first Reservation Holders behind the wheel!" We're sure the buyers feel the same way.

Perhaps most exciting, the Model S will now feature adjustable regenerative brakes, which is something we certainly like to see in our EVs. For highway driving, having the brakes grab hold each time we take our foot off the accelerator is annoying, so we look forward to seeing just how much "coasting" the Model S will allow. Blankenship writes that, "Having less Regen means you will likely get less range, but some people still prefer the feel of their car with less Regen." We can't wait until some inspired hypermiler decides to test this for him- or herself. The resistance in the steering wheel and the car's suspension can also be adjusted.

As we learned during the Detroit Auto Show, Tesla's Fremont factory (the former NUMMI plant) has been quite busy preparing to make the Model S. The picture above shows plant employees with the first customer Model S body. 2012 production of the Model S is sold out, but Tesla is still out there trying to drum up sales with Model S promotional tours stops on the west and east coasts of the U.S. as well as a five-city tour of Canada.

Befitting a 21st Century automaker, Tesla says it will webcast the first Model S delivery on its website. Leading up to June 22, Tesla will also post a weekly video about Model S production. So, there's more to come.

*UPDATE: Tesla CEO Elon Musk has Tweeted the following: "Major Tesla milestone: All crash testing is complete for 5* (max) safety rating. Cars can now be built for sale to public!"

Continue reading Tesla Model S deliveries will start June 22; crash testing returns five stars *UPDATE

Tesla Model S deliveries will start June 22; crash testing returns five stars *UPDATE originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 22 May 2012 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclegeorge blankenshipjob onemodel snummiteslatesla model stesla model s deliveryTue, 22 May 2012 11:47:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242595/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242595/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/22/tesla-model-s-deliveries-will-start-june-22-regen-brake-level-n/20242595/article-detail.xml 20242595 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/tesla-model-s-body-in-white_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/tesla-model-s-body-in-white.jpg <![CDATA[First Ford Focus Electric models en route to dealerships]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/first-ford-focus-electric-models-en-route-to-dealerships/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/first-ford-focus-electric-models-en-route-to-dealerships/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/first-ford-focus-electric-models-en-route-to-dealerships/#commentsFiled under: ,



The 2012 Ford Focus Electric is officially on its way to dealerships. Outlets in California, New Jersey, and New York - 67 in all - are going to be the first to receive the electron-fueled Focus, with about six cars each winding up on lots. To help dealers build more excitement for what's likely to be a slow-starting sales story, the dealers will hold one of the Focus EVs as a demonstrator.

Even if fewer than 5,000 Focus Electric models find buyers this year, Alan Mulally won't be disappointed. While Ford ultimately expects electrics and hybrid vehicles to account for up to 25 percent of its sales volume by 2020, the company is moving deliberately. Rather than develop and tool an entirely new platform, Ford's move to modify the Focus for electric propulsion is said to allow some semblance of a profit margin, but it's going to take time for consumers to warm to the idea of a $40,000 Focus, even if a third of that price is the battery, and Ford appears to be keeping this in mind.

After the initial 350 or so cars are delivered to the pilot stores, the rest of the Ford dealers across the nation will start getting the Focus EV before spring turns into summer.

First Ford Focus Electric models en route to dealerships originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 22 May 2012 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ford focus electricfocusfocus electricfordTue, 22 May 2012 10:17:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242563/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242563/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/22/first-ford-focus-electric-models-en-route-to-dealerships/20242563/article-detail.xml 20242563 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/03-2012-ford-focus-electric-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/03-2012-ford-focus-electric-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Volt escapes the zombie horde]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/chevy-volt-escapes-the-zombie-horde/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/chevy-volt-escapes-the-zombie-horde/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/chevy-volt-escapes-the-zombie-horde/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

chevy volt zombie ad

Did you know the Chevrolet Volt can outrun a gaggle of slow-rambling zombies? Did you know that even in an apocalyptic wasteland, beautiful women will drive freshly washed cars? These are two of the messages in a new ad (of sorts) for the plug-in hybrid that was created by Josh Soskin for the Mofilm Barcelona 2012 Video Contest.

The spot, viewable below, makes an odd case against gas anxiety (for lack of a better word) by showing a mid-1980's Mazda 323 running out of gas, which then allows a brain-hungry zombie horde from catching up. The deus ex machina turns out to be a Volt, which carries our heroes to safety. The big question: does that Volt include zombie-killing shotguns, hung from a gun rack?

Now, a fully charged, fully refueled Volt can go around 375 miles. If these guys really want to go the distance, what they really need is a good hypermiler and/or a diesel car (1,600+ miles!). Or, if the gasoline supply has been damaged, how about a solar-powered long-distance vehicle, something like the Solar Taxi. But that's applying logic to what's supposed to be a commercial, which is always a losing experiment. The ad is still kind of funny. Watch it here, and you can see the contest's runners-up here.

Continue reading Chevy Volt escapes the zombie horde

Chevy Volt escapes the zombie horde originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 21 May 2012 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barcelona video contestchevroletchevrolet voltchevy voltelectric vehicleplug-in hybridvoltvolt zombieszombiesMon, 21 May 2012 19:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242080/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242080/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/21/chevy-volt-escapes-the-zombie-horde/20242080/article-detail.xml 20242080 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/chevy-volt-zombie-ad_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/chevy-volt-zombie-ad.png <![CDATA[Monster Tajima's electric Pikes Peak attack vehicle revealed [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/monster-tajimas-electric-pikes-peak-attack-vehicle-revealed-w/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/monster-tajimas-electric-pikes-peak-attack-vehicle-revealed-w/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/monster-tajimas-electric-pikes-peak-attack-vehicle-revealed-w/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima owns Pikes Peak, having summited quicker than anyone else these past six years. As we told you a little while back, his 2012 ascent will take place in a battery-powered racer for Team APEV (Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles). That car, the Monster Sport E-RUNNER Pikes Peak Special, has just been revealed.

The wraps came off this weekend in Tokyo at Toyota's Mega Web automotive theme park and, with a carbon fiber body and bubble roof, it looks pretty amazing. Unfortunately, no specifications have been released so far, but we suspect it has enough electric ponies to best his world-beating 9:51.278 record set just last year. Especially considering the path to the top will have no gravel road segments, as it has in years past.

You can watch the covers being pulled off publicly for the first time, along with bonus footage of it in action on the track, by simply scrolling below.

Continue reading Monster Tajima's electric Pikes Peak attack vehicle revealed [w/video]

Monster Tajima's electric Pikes Peak attack vehicle revealed [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 21 May 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Monster Sport E-RUNNER Pikes Peak Specialnobuhiro monster tajimapikes peakpikes peak 2012Pikes Peak International Hill Climbrace to the cloudstajimateam apevMon, 21 May 2012 18:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242014/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242014/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/21/monster-tajimas-electric-pikes-peak-attack-vehicle-revealed-w/20242014/article-detail.xml 20242014 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/tajima-pikes-peak-electric-racer-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/tajima-pikes-peak-electric-racer-628.jpg <![CDATA[Remember the electric Rolls-Royce Phantom? Forget it]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/remember-the-electric-rolls-royce-phantom-forget-it/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/remember-the-electric-rolls-royce-phantom-forget-it/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/remember-the-electric-rolls-royce-phantom-forget-it/#commentsFiled under: ,

Rolls-Royce 102 EX Concept

Motor Trend reports Rolls-Royce has pulled the plug (literally) on its electric Phantom. Word has it none of the ultra-luxury automaker's current clients have any interest in an electrified land yacht due to niggling factors like range anxiety and a perceived loss of premiumness. Apparently the world's super wealthy only feel content when their transportation runs on the tears of crushed ecosystems. That's a bit odd considering the 102 EX Concept bowed at the Geneva Motor Show with more torque than the buttery-smooth V12 in the standard Phantom. Still, all the torque in the world is no balm for a range of under 100 miles.

While it's true Rolls-Royce officially quoted a total range of around 120 miles from the 1,452-pound battery pack in the machine's nose, we're more than a little skeptical of that figure. Then there's the issue of keeping the electric Phantom charged. We can imagine the typical Phantom owner isn't accustomed to waiting for anything, let alone twiddling their thumbs for eight hours while their cripplingly expensive sedan charges. With all that compromise, Rolls-Royce says it just doesn't make sense to produce the 102 EX.

Remember the electric Rolls-Royce Phantom? Forget it originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 21 May 2012 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>102 ex102 ex conceptelectric phantomelectric rolls-roycerolls-roycerolls-royce 102 ex conceptMon, 21 May 2012 15:51:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242083/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242083/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/21/remember-the-electric-rolls-royce-phantom-forget-it/20242083/article-detail.xml 20242083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/rolls-royce-102-ex-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/rolls-royce-102-ex-628.jpg <![CDATA[VW, BASF giving out 50,000 euro award for electrochemistry, better batteries]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/vw-basf-giving-out-50-000-euro-award-for-electrochemistry-bett/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/vw-basf-giving-out-50-000-euro-award-for-electrochemistry-bett/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/vw-basf-giving-out-50-000-euro-award-for-electrochemistry-bett/#commentsFiled under: , ,

vw jetta hybrid

As a company that sees plug-in hybrids as the future, it makes sense that Volkswagen would want to advance the technology needed for these cars. What's less expected is how VW wants to do this: through a new annual "Science Award for Electrochemistry," offered jointly with BASF SE, that any researcher on the planet can apply for at this website.

With a total prize purse of 50,000 euros ($63,664 U.S. at today's exchange rates), the award is intended to "promote outstanding accomplishments in science and engineering from which stimulation may be gained for the development of high-performance energy storage devices." That means, basically, better batteries for hybrids and other electric drive vehicles, ones that last a long time. VW's chairman of the board of management, Martin Winterkorn, said in a statement that, "We have set ourselves the ambitious goal of ensuring that Volkswagen battery systems will facilitate reliable day-to-day operations for 10 years, thus lasting for a normal automotive life span."

Interested applicants can submit applications through August 3rd, and the award ceremony will take place in Wolfsburg, Germany in October.

Continue reading VW, BASF giving out 50,000 euro award for electrochemistry, better batteries

VW, BASF giving out 50,000 euro award for electrochemistry, better batteries originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 21 May 2012 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>basfbatterybattery lifeelectric vehicleelectrochemistrymartin winkerkornplug-in hybridscience awardvolkswagenvwMon, 21 May 2012 10:12:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20241683/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20241683/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/21/vw-basf-giving-out-50-000-euro-award-for-electrochemistry-bett/20241683/article-detail.xml 20241683 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/jetta-hybrid-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/jetta-hybrid-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Amp opens first dealership in Cincinnati]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/19/amp-opens-first-dealership-in-cincinnati/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/19/amp-opens-first-dealership-in-cincinnati/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/19/amp-opens-first-dealership-in-cincinnati/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Amp, the Ohio-based maker of battery-electric SUVs, has opened its first dealership in Cincinnati and said first deliveries would start by year end.

Amp of Cincinnati opened last week and showed off both its Jeep Grand Cherokee- and Mercedes-Benz ML350-based battery-electric vehicles. The dealership has started taking $5,000 deposits for the SUVs, which Amp says have a single-charge range of as many as 125 miles. Amp said in March that its SUVs qualified for the $7,500 tax credit from the IRS. That month, the company also said it reached an agreement to sell its SUVs in the Caribbean.

The company in January said the Jeep-based Amp would be priced at $57,400, bringing the out of pocket price just under $50,000.

Continue reading Amp opens first dealership in Cincinnati

Amp opens first dealership in Cincinnati originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 19 May 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp of cincinnaticincinnatielectric vehiclejeepmercedesohioSUVSat, 19 May 2012 16:29:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238906/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238906/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/19/amp-opens-first-dealership-in-cincinnati/20238906/article-detail.xml 20238906 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/amp-of-cincinnati-ribbon-cutting-dedication-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/amp-of-cincinnati-ribbon-cutting-dedication-628.jpg <![CDATA[GM says the Volt has saved a supertanker of gas]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/19/gm-says-the-volt-has-saved-a-supertanker-of-gas/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/19/gm-says-the-volt-has-saved-a-supertanker-of-gas/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/19/gm-says-the-volt-has-saved-a-supertanker-of-gas/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chevy Volt

That's one small step for man, and one less really big barge full of fuel for mankind.

That's basically what General Motors' Chevrolet division is saying in its latest effort to pitch the Volt extended-range plug-in as a way for prospective drivers to save both money and the earth.

Chevrolet estimates that Volt drivers have saved more than 2.1 million gallons of gas - or one supertanker - by driving their vehicles in electric mode. Since the model launched in late 2010, Volt drivers, who, on average, use electricity 60 percent of the time and fuel from the car's on-board generator the rest of the time, have put on 40 million electric-only miles on the car, saving a combined $8 million in unused gasoline the process.

While the Volt fell about 2,300 units short of Chevy's goal to sell 10,000 units last year, 2012 sales through April tripled from a year earlier to 5,377 units. We anxiously await Nissan's own claim on how many fleets worth of gas its Leaf drivers have saved...

Continue reading GM says the Volt has saved a supertanker of gas

GM says the Volt has saved a supertanker of gas originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 19 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet voltchevroletgeneral motorsgmplug-in hybridsupertankervoltSat, 19 May 2012 09:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20240487/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20240487/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/19/gm-says-the-volt-has-saved-a-supertanker-of-gas/20240487/article-detail.xml 20240487 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/chevrolet-volt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/chevrolet-volt-628.jpg -1 2