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[2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid manages 53.45 mpg in real-world tests]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/2014-porsche-panamera-s-e-hybrid-manages-53-45-mpg-in-real-world/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/2014-porsche-panamera-s-e-hybrid-manages-53-45-mpg-in-real-world/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/2014-porsche-panamera-s-e-hybrid-manages-53-45-mpg-in-real-world/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid

As part of a recent event with a number of Panamera S E-Hybrids driven by journalists in Europe, Porsche's new plug-in managed to burn (on average) just 4.4 liters of fuel for each 100 kilometers. That's the equivalent of 53.45 miles per gallon. Porsche says this real-world, 745-mile test, which took place on an 18-mile loop along the Autobahn and through the city of Hockenheim, proves that the official NEDC rating of 3.1 l/km (75.87 mpg) is not some impossible-to-meet-outside-the-lab fuel economy level, especially since one journalist managed to get 2.8 l/km (84 mpg).

The 2014 Panamera S E-Hybrid, which was recently unveiled in Shanghai, has a 9.4-kWh lithium-ion battery that offers an all-electric range of 22 miles and can go from 0- 60 mph in 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 167 mph from a powertrain that puts out 416 horsepower and 435 pound-feet of torque. It takes two-and-a-half hours to recharge from a Level 2 charger.

The car arrives at Porsche dealers at the end of July in Europe and in the US in late 2013. The US base price is $99,000.

Continue reading 2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid manages 53.45 mpg in real-world tests

2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid manages 53.45 mpg in real-world tests originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 24 May 2013 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nedcporscheporsche panamera s e-hybridporsche plug-in hybridFri, 24 May 2013 10:40:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20582894/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20582894/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/24/2014-porsche-panamera-s-e-hybrid-manages-53-45-mpg-in-real-world/20582894/article-detail.xml 20582894 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/porsche-panamera-s-e-hybrid-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/porsche-panamera-s-e-hybrid-628.jpg <![CDATA[What $20 million means to both Tesla and Fisker]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/what-20-million-means-to-both-tesla-and-fisker/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/what-20-million-means-to-both-tesla-and-fisker/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/what-20-million-means-to-both-tesla-and-fisker/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



When is $20 million not equal to $20 million? When, for some, it's an interest payment and, for others, it's all someone else thinks they're worth. Here's how that one number means two totally different things to two different green car companies.

Speaking to Bloomberg Television about the early repayment of Tesla Motors' DOE loan, CEO Elon Musk said today that, "ultimately, the US taxpayer actually made a profit above $20 million on this loan. For this loan at least, people's tax bill actually went slightly down."

Musk said that, now that the loan has been paid back, more people might take a look at Tesla. "We were attacked a lot in certain quarters for having some government debt," he said. "I think that actually matters to some consumers out there, whether or not a company actually does have government debt, and being able to say we fully repaid that debt with interest, I think it is helpful to some number of people out there in thinking about buying a car." So, for Tesla, which recently raised over a billion dollars, $20 million is an easy price to pay to potentially sell more EVs.

Now, let's look at Fisker Automotive, which is still fending off bankruptcy. We learned this week that VL Automotive and Wanxiang made an offer to buy the troubled automaker for an undisclosed sum. Word out today is that the amount that the two companies are willing to pay for Fisker is, you guessed it, $20 million. That's about one percent of Fisker's $2 billion-plus value back when the Karma plug-in hybrid was launched, according to Reuters. It's unclear how a potential Fisker buyer will have to deal with the outstanding DOE loan amount of $171 million and other issues, but the $20-million offer a striking contrasts to Musk's statement on Bloomberg Television, which you can watch in the video below.

Continue reading What $20 million means to both Tesla and Fisker

What $20 million means to both Tesla and Fisker originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 23 May 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptcydoe loanelectric vehicleelon muskfiskerplug-in hybridteslatesla model sThu, 23 May 2013 19:14:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20582017/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20582017/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/what-20-million-means-to-both-tesla-and-fisker/20582017/article-detail.xml 20582017 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-model-s-fisker-karma-split-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-model-s-fisker-karma-split-2.jpg <![CDATA[Zero gets electric motorcycles ready for police duty in Hong Kong]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/zero-gets-electric-motorcycles-ready-for-police-duty-in-hong-kon/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/zero-gets-electric-motorcycles-ready-for-police-duty-in-hong-kon/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/zero-gets-electric-motorcycles-ready-for-police-duty-in-hong-kon/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Zero S electric motorcycle

Zero officially became many as the maker of electric motorcycles had its largest single-fleet sale to the city of Hong Kong.

The company, Zero Motorcycles, is distributing its bikes in eastern Asia through Yuen Ho Trading Co. (you didn't expect the Tesla Motors sales model, did you?) and sold 59 Zero S e-motorcycles to Hong Kong, most of which will be used by the police department. The Hong Kong Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department will also be using some of the really quiet two-wheelers.

The model-year 2012 motorcycles, which have an 89-mile single-charge range and a top speed of 88 miles per hour, "have been up fitted with a series of components developed exclusively for traffic enforcement, "were also retrofitted especially for law-enforcement purposes" but did not disclose the details of the upgrades. We do know that, compared to MY 2012, the 2013 models are about 10 percent faster and have about a 10-percent longer single-charge range. Check out Zero Motorcycles' press release below.

Continue reading Zero gets electric motorcycles ready for police duty in Hong Kong

Zero gets electric motorcycles ready for police duty in Hong Kong originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 23 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric motorcycleelectric vehiclehong kongpolicezero motorcycleszero sThu, 23 May 2013 18:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580343/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580343/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/zero-gets-electric-motorcycles-ready-for-police-duty-in-hong-kon/20580343/article-detail.xml 20580343 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/zeros_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/zeros.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan, CarCharging Group collaborate on quick-charger deployment]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/nissan-carcharging-group-collaborate-on-quick-charger-deploymen/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/nissan-carcharging-group-collaborate-on-quick-charger-deploymen/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/nissan-carcharging-group-collaborate-on-quick-charger-deploymen/#commentsFiled under: ,

While Nissan is expanding the single-charge range on its all-electric Leaf, the Japanese automaker is also working on shortening the distance between publicly accessible quick-charging stations. Nissan is collaborating with CarCharging Group at deploying more quick chargers t

While Nissan is expanding the single-charge range on its all-electric Leaf, the Japanese automaker is also working on shortening the distance between publicly accessible quick-charge stations.

Nissan is collaborating with CarCharging Group to deploy more quick chargers throughout the most Leaf-heavy parts of the country. Specifically, about 48 Nissan-branded quick chargers will soon be offered in California and on the East Coast. Such chargers can provide energy to fill 80 percent of the Leaf's battery capacity in about 30 minutes. CarCharging Group is also developing a mobile app that will give users real-time information on charging-station locations.

Earlier this month, Nissan said it has exceeded 25,000 Leaf sale in the US. Through the first four months of the year, the company more than doubled sales (compared to 2012) to 5,476 vehicles and is coming off two of its best sales months ever for the little EV. Check out Nissan's press release below.

Continue reading Nissan, CarCharging Group collaborate on quick-charger deployment

Nissan, CarCharging Group collaborate on quick-charger deployment originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 23 May 2013 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carchargingdc fast chargeelectric vehiclefast chargingleafnissanquick chargersstationsThu, 23 May 2013 13:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580759/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580759/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/nissan-carcharging-group-collaborate-on-quick-charger-deploymen/20580759/article-detail.xml 20580759 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissanleaf-1369285894_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissanleaf-1369285894.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Spark EV priced at $27,495; will lease for $199/month]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/chevy-spark-ev-priced-at-27-495-will-lease-for-199-month/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/chevy-spark-ev-priced-at-27-495-will-lease-for-199-month/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/chevy-spark-ev-priced-at-27-495-will-lease-for-199-month/#commentsFiled under: ,

Chevrolet Spark EV - front three-quarter view

The Nissan Leaf, the Fiat 500e and now the 2014 Chevy Spark EV 1LT. Three different electric hatchbacks that can all be had for the same low lease price: $199 per month. The Spark even has the same appealing $999 down payment as the Fiat (the Leaf's is $1,999) and both require 36-month leases, so the cost of these two city runabouts is identical, at least at the base level. The one potential hiccup: Chevy says it's a "low mileage lease," and you'll pay 25 cents a mile for each mile over 12,000 per year. Considering these are urban-minded vehicles with limited ranges, however, that doesn't seem like as pressing an issue.

If you want to buy a Spark EV outright, General Motors will ask you for $27,495, a figure that will drop to $19,995 for anyone who qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. That's a good deal for EVs, but the gas-powered Spark starts at just $12,185. Before Fiat announced its low lease deal last month, all GM would say is that the Spark EV would cost somewhere "under $25,000 with tax incentives." Well under, apparently.

The Spark EV goes on sale in California and Oregon in the middle of June. The car is rated at 119 MPGe combined and has a range of 82 miles. When that's not enough, DC quick charging with the SAE combo charger will refill the battery to 80 percent in about 20 minutes (when such DC stations stations become available, since the Spark is not compatible with the already-available CHAdeMO stations).

Continue reading Chevy Spark EV priced at $27,495; will lease for $199/month

Chevy Spark EV priced at $27,495; will lease for $199/month originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 23 May 2013 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevychevy spark evelectric vehicleevleaseThu, 23 May 2013 00:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580283/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580283/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/chevy-spark-ev-priced-at-27-495-will-lease-for-199-month/20580283/article-detail.xml 20580283 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chevy-spark-ev-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chevy-spark-ev-628.jpg <![CDATA[Infiniti luxury electric sedan needs more wireless charging]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/infiniti-luxury-electric-sedan-needs-more-wireless-charging/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/infiniti-luxury-electric-sedan-needs-more-wireless-charging/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/infiniti-luxury-electric-sedan-needs-more-wireless-charging/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Infiniti LE electric car concept - live at New York Auto Show

While we had been told it was coming in 2014, the exact release date of the production version of the Infiniti LE concept might just might hinge on something you can't see and that the Japanese automaker can't control: wireless charging infrastructure. That's the word from Autocar, which talked to Nissan executive vice president Andy Palmer, who admits that wireless charging "is this technology we want to shine a light on, so while there is no world standard on methods, the rollout will be dependent on region." In other words, if you want the latest luxury EV, you'd better hide those wires. They're so gauche.

There's a good chance Infiniti will be the first OEM to sell a production inductive charging vehicle (companies like Mitsubishi and Audi are also working on the technology), which is likely to be a double-edged sword. Yes, it'll have bragging rights, but the wired infrastructure is proving difficult enough to put into place, and having the coolest tech doesn't mean much if you can't put it into use. Thankfully, the LE (or whatever it will be called) is also expected to come with conventional wired charging capabilities. Also, Infiniti is, at this point, trying to get induction charging technology to be open source, which could help a lot of players in the industry.

The LE concept, based on the Nissan Leaf, has the same 24-kWh lithium-ion battery pack but a more powerful 100-kw electric motor good for 134 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque.

Infiniti luxury electric sedan needs more wireless charging originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 22 May 2013 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andy palmerelectric vehicleinductiveinductive charginginfinitiinfiniti evinfiniti leinfiniti leafwirelesswireless chargingWed, 22 May 2013 18:28:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580141/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580141/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/infiniti-luxury-electric-sedan-needs-more-wireless-charging/20580141/article-detail.xml 20580141 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/infiniti-concept-le-live-ny_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/infiniti-concept-le-live-ny.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla pays back $465M DOE loan, Musk says 'I hope we did you proud']]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/tesla-pays-back-465m-doe-loan-early/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/tesla-pays-back-465m-doe-loan-early/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/tesla-pays-back-465m-doe-loan-early/#commentsFiled under: , ,

elon musk with tesla model s

We're willing to bet there are bottles of champagne popping all the way from Washington, DC to Palo Alto, CA today with the announcement that Tesla Motors has, as suspected, paid off the entirety of its $465-million Department of Energy loan.

"I hope we did you proud" - Elon Musk

As far back as July 2012, Tesla began talking about paying the US government back early, but it was apparently the tremendous rise in the company's stock value recently that prompted CEO Elon Musk to push for the immediate repayment this week. From a price of $33.87 on January 1, TSLA has climbed to $87.24 today (down a bit from the recent highs of over $92). Last week, Tesla sold enough stock to raise over a billion dollars to repay the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) loan, with interest. This makes Tesla the first automaker to pay the DOE back, and it did so nine years ahead of schedule. In a prepared statement, Tesla CEO Elon Musk thanked the DOE and Congress and "particularly the American taxpayer from whom these funds originate. I hope we did you proud."

The DOE is certainly proud, issuing a release that said the repayment "shows the strength of energy department's overall loan portfolio." The DOE has come under fire recently for the loan it gave to Fisker Automotive. Two other ATVM recipients, Nissan and Ford, have not yet paid all theit money back, but there are no apparent worries there, either. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said in a statement that, "not every investment will succeed" but that the DOE's overall $34-million loan portfolio of more than 30 loans "is delivering big results for the American economy while costing far less than anticipated." Details in the press releases below.

Continue reading Tesla pays back $465M DOE loan, Musk says 'I hope we did you proud'

Tesla pays back $465M DOE loan, Musk says 'I hope we did you proud' originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 22 May 2013 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atvmdoedoe loanelectric vehicleelon muskteslatesla model stslaWed, 22 May 2013 17:43:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580358/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580358/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/tesla-pays-back-465m-doe-loan-early/20580358/article-detail.xml 20580358 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/elon-musk-tesla-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/elon-musk-tesla-opt.jpg <![CDATA[A123 Systems, now B456, wins court approval to exit bankruptcy]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/a123-systems-now-b456-wins-court-approval-to-exit-bankruptcy/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/a123-systems-now-b456-wins-court-approval-to-exit-bankruptcy/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/a123-systems-now-b456-wins-court-approval-to-exit-bankruptcy/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's official: A123 Systems Inc. is passing through its final phase. The bankrupt lithium ion battery maker, now going by the name B456 Systems Inc., has won court approval for its plan to exit bankruptcy that pays off creditors from proceeds gained by selling off virtually all of its assets.

Objections previously made by creditors had been resolved prior to the hearing where US Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Carey approved the company's plan. Creditors had voted "overwhelmingly in favor of the plan," Caroline Reckler, a lawyer for B456 Systems, told the Washington Post.

Now that the plan has been court approved, B456 expects to exit court protection in about three to four weeks. This will complete bankruptcy proceedings started by A123 last October, and which was the source of political jabs by then-presidential candidate Mitt Romney. The Republican candidate had condemned the Obama administration for failed attempts at financially supporting alternative-energy industries.

The A123 name was removed in bankruptcy proceedings, which was required by the court in order to be purchased by Chinese company Wanxiang. The changeover to the B456 corporate identity was made in March as part of a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission when the company declared that its old assets were liquidated. The good parts of the old A123 live on under Wanxiang's new A123 Venture Technologies division.

As the recovery plan was being executed, plug-in hybrid carmaker and former partner Fisker Automotive came to a settlement with former A123. Fisker agreed to reduce about $140 million in claims by 89 percent to $15 million.

A123 Systems, now B456, wins court approval to exit bankruptcy originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 22 May 2013 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a123a123 systemsb456bankruptcyfiskerli-ionlithium ionWed, 22 May 2013 14:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20578981/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20578981/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/a123-systems-now-b456-wins-court-approval-to-exit-bankruptcy/20578981/article-detail.xml 20578981 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/a123-systems_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/a123-systems.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Volt ad 'Silent Anthem' brings back friendly deer, robot dogs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/chevy-volt-ad-silent-anthem-brings-back-friendly-deer-robot-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/chevy-volt-ad-silent-anthem-brings-back-friendly-deer-robot-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/chevy-volt-ad-silent-anthem-brings-back-friendly-deer-robot-d/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

chevy volt silent anthem ad

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

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

You can chime in after watching below.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevychevy voltchevy volt advertisingelectric vehicleplug-in hybridsilent anthemWed, 22 May 2013 12:27:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20579884/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20579884/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/chevy-volt-ad-silent-anthem-brings-back-friendly-deer-robot-d/20579884/article-detail.xml 20579884 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevy-volt-silent-anthem-1_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevy-volt-silent-anthem-1.png <![CDATA[Moto Electra Racing will drive electric motorcycle coast-to-coast in record-setting 3 days]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/moto-electra-racing-drive-electric-mototcycle-coast-to-coast/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/moto-electra-racing-drive-electric-mototcycle-coast-to-coast/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/moto-electra-racing-drive-electric-mototcycle-coast-to-coast/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Moto Electra Norton-styled electric motorcycle

Looks like 3rd of June will be a red-letter day for electric motorcycles. Not only are we to have our hearts unbroken by Mission Motors, but it is also the exact same day that another of our two-wheeled favorites will ride into the spotlight. Moto Electra Racing has announced it will begin a journey from coast to coast with its Norton-styled retro-electro machine in a bid to make the record books for the quickest continental crossing by an electric vehicle.

The team will set out from Florida and drive to Santa Monica in about 3 days, with an estimated 20 stops for charging and cat-napping.

Inspired by a film about the first gas-powered automobile cross-country trip in 1903 - a time before gas stations and, for the most part, paved roads - the team plans to set out from the beach in Jacksonville, Florida and quietly hum their way to the Santa Monica Pier in California in about 3 days. That's about 2,500 miles along Interstate 10 at, or slightly below, the 70 mile-per-hour speed limit with an estimated 20 stops for charging and cat-napping.

In the saddle will be team stalwart Thad Wolff. The former AMA Superbike racer has lots of experience with the bike, having raced it in the TTXGP and claiming 2nd place overall in the North American 2011 season. He will be supported by team principal Brian Richardson and a group of students from James Madison University who will bring along a portable generator. The general strategy is to ride for two hours, then charge for one, being careful not to tax the batteries.

The bike itself is one sweet piece of work. Built around the famous Norton featherbed design, it is powered by an air-cooled AC motor and holds a battery pack which, while somewhat old, still holds an amazing 19 or 20 kilowatt-hours of energy (most comercially-available electric motorcycles offer about half that capacity, it's more than the 16.5-kWh in the Chevy Volt). While copies are not yet officially offered for sale, the team hinted in an email that it may be a possibility in the future

You can follow the effort on the Moto Electra Facebook page where it will post plenty of photos and keep fans abreast of its progress. You can read the official press release by simply scrolling below. Godspeed.

Continue reading Moto Electra Racing will drive electric motorcycle coast-to-coast in record-setting 3 days

Moto Electra Racing will drive electric motorcycle coast-to-coast in record-setting 3 days originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 22 May 2013 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coast to coast EV recordelectric motorcyclefeatherbedmoto electramoto electra racingnortonWed, 22 May 2013 09:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576700/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576700/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/moto-electra-racing-drive-electric-mototcycle-coast-to-coast/20576700/article-detail.xml 20576700 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/moto-electra-2013-livery-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/moto-electra-2013-livery-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz and VL Automotive, Wanxiang trying to buy Fisker]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/fisker-vl-automotive-destino-bob-lutz-wanxiang-buyout/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/fisker-vl-automotive-destino-bob-lutz-wanxiang-buyout/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/fisker-vl-automotive-destino-bob-lutz-wanxiang-buyout/#commentsFiled under: , ,

VL Automotive's Destino live at Detroit Auto Show

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kia Ray EV

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleevkia soulrumorsoul evTue, 21 May 2013 16:16:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20578504/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20578504/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/kia-soul-ev-might-cost-35-000-have-a-range-of-120-miles/20578504/article-detail.xml 20578504 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/kia-ray-ev-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/kia-ray-ev-628.jpg <![CDATA[Charge electric motorcycle race documentary comes to theaters this week]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/charge-electric-motorcycle-race-documentary-comes-to-theaters-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/charge-electric-motorcycle-race-documentary-comes-to-theaters-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/charge-electric-motorcycle-race-documentary-comes-to-theaters-th/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



For lovers of electric bike racing, director Mark Neale's documentary about the first-ever electric motorcycle competition that started on the Isle of Man TT course June 12, 2009, Charge, is now in theaters. The updated film chronicles racing teams preparing for the 2009 race, and their return in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

The film was released for theater showings in 15 US markets on May 20. It's part of Cinedigms's new DOCUDRAMA film screening events. We've got the trailer, and a list of cities where the movie will be screened below. Charge is narrated by British film star and motorcycle enthusiast Ewan McGregor.

The trailer shows one of the longtime TT race fan who was deeply offended by the classic racetrack being switched over from the roaring motorbikes to quiet, hissing e-bikes. "This is the TT," he says in the video. "It's recognized throughout the world. They come to see our event race our motorbikes - not piss about on battery-powered scrap."

For fans of electric bike racing, it's a different story. A year after the start of e-bike racing in 2009, the 2010 TT Zero saw a huge leap in performance. "Proof that racing really does improve the breed and that maniacs on motorcycles can be a force for global good," according to the press release.

Continue reading Charge electric motorcycle race documentary comes to theaters this week

Charge electric motorcycle race documentary comes to theaters this week originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 21 May 2013 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargee-bikeelectric motorcycleewan mcgregorisle of manisle of man ttmark nealett zeroTue, 21 May 2013 14:20:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576735/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576735/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/charge-electric-motorcycle-race-documentary-comes-to-theaters-th/20576735/article-detail.xml 20576735 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/charge-movie-trailer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/charge-movie-trailer.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford Fusion Energi earns five-star safety rating from NHTSA]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/2013-ford-fusion-energi-earns-five-star-safety-rating-from-nhtsa/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/2013-ford-fusion-energi-earns-five-star-safety-rating-from-nhtsa/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/2013-ford-fusion-energi-earns-five-star-safety-rating-from-nhtsa/#commentsFiled under: , ,

ford fusion energi plug-in hybrid

The Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid has had a charmed life so far. Qualifying for California HOV lane status and getting impressive range and miles per gallon equivalent numbers are all bound to help its market image. Now, the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi has earned a five-star Overall Vehicle Score, the highest possible, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

NHTSA tests measured vehicle performance and safety in frontal and side-impact crash test, along with resistance to rollovers. The plug-in hybrid follows the Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, which already received five-star safety ratings. Ford highlighted another safety perk in its press release (see below) - the Personal Safety System with safety belt technologies and advanced front impact airbags.

So far, the Ford Fusion Hybrid has sold ten times more units than the Fusion Energi. The April sales total for the Fusion Hybrid was 3,625 units sold versus 364 for the Fusion Energi. But it's still very early in the game, and the Fusion Hybrid has a potentially huge problem to deal with that could hurt sales.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Fusion Energi earns five-star safety rating from NHTSA

2013 Ford Fusion Energi earns five-star safety rating from NHTSA originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 21 May 2013 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crash testingepafordfusion energimpgenhtsaplug in hybridsafety ratingsTue, 21 May 2013 10:13:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20577369/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20577369/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/2013-ford-fusion-energi-earns-five-star-safety-rating-from-nhtsa/20577369/article-detail.xml 20577369 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-fusion-energi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-fusion-energi.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla raises $1 billion as stock climbs; predictions have it at $200 (or $37) *UPDATE]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/tesla-raises-one-billion-stock-could-reach-200/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/tesla-raises-one-billion-stock-could-reach-200/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/tesla-raises-one-billion-stock-could-reach-200/#commentsFiled under: ,

tesla model s logo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Audi A8 / Tesla Model S

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

coda sedan

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

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

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

You can read the court documents below.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airbagbankruptcycodacoda sedanelectric vehiclerecallMon, 20 May 2013 16:27:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576691/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576691/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/bankrupt-coda-asking-permission-to-conduct-airbag-recall/20576691/article-detail.xml 20576691 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2012-coda-sedan-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2012-coda-sedan-628.jpg <![CDATA[Kartelec 2013 brings electric go-cart racing back to France]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/kartelec-2013-brings-electric-go-cart-racing-back-to-france/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/kartelec-2013-brings-electric-go-cart-racing-back-to-france/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/kartelec-2013-brings-electric-go-cart-racing-back-to-france/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

kartelec 2012 electric go-kart racing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mon, 20 May 2013 12:22:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576328/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576328/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/kartelec-2013-brings-electric-go-cart-racing-back-to-france/20576328/article-detail.xml 20576328 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ekart-2011-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ekart-2011-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mysterious Hybrid Support Solutions arises to support Fisker Karma, charges $4k for membership]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/fisker-support-team-company-pops-up-charges-4k-for-membershi/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/fisker-support-team-company-pops-up-charges-4k-for-membershi/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/fisker-support-team-company-pops-up-charges-4k-for-membershi/#commentsFiled under: ,

Fisker Karma

It's hard to get sympathy when you have the funds to lay out north of $100,000 for a car, but for those Fisker Karma owners feeling blue, Hybrid Support Solutions (HSS) is there for you. For $3,995, of course.

Karma owners can pay $3,995 for a subscription that gives them a chance to get service consulting for a car whose maker is a little too busy with Congressional hearings (and, likely, a looming bankruptcy). This fee will allow personal repair help from HSS staff, up to and including battery replacement. Or, at least, information on battery replacement. "Parts and special operations are not covered but our time, advice, recommendations; access to our knowledge library and catalogs is available 24/7," HSS says on its website. HSS is also working on an "inexpensive tool" that will allow drivers to figure out what their Karmas are telling them via trouble codes and check engine lights. HSS says, "This will be an improved and more functional (and far less expensive) tool than the $4000.00 original manufacturer specified tool of which is no longer available."

We're not sure who's behind HSS, but we do know it's based in Long Beach, CA (Fisker Automotive is based in nearby Anaheim) and the website says it's the "original and only Karma support team" and boasts 10 "members that have the knowledge on the inner workings of the Karma" who "have been there since the beginning." So, perhaps, that knowledge library runs deep. We've included the HSS FAQ below.

Of course, Leo and the rest of the Karma owners, who are likely feeling the pinch of a crashing used-car market for the vehicles, could save themselves any plug-in trouble by ditching their electric powertrain altogether in favor of a VL Productions Destino, which pulls the powertrail out of the Karma and replaces it from a General Motors-made 556-horsepower V8.

Continue reading Mysterious Hybrid Support Solutions arises to support Fisker Karma, charges $4k for membership

Mysterious Hybrid Support Solutions arises to support Fisker Karma, charges $4k for membership originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiafiskerfisker karmahsshybrid support solutionslong beachMon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20574572/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20574572/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/fisker-support-team-company-pops-up-charges-4k-for-membershi/20574572/article-detail.xml 20574572 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fisker_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fisker.jpg <![CDATA[Formula E touts Renault relationship with new car design, adds Bangkok to calender]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/formula-e-touts-renault-relationship-adds-bangkok/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/formula-e-touts-renault-relationship-adds-bangkok/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/formula-e-touts-renault-relationship-adds-bangkok/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Formulec EF01 is a pretty sweet all-electric race car, but it's really been just a place holder for the vehicles that will eventually form the FIA Formula E Championship grid. Along with an announcement that Renault will be a technical partner, the budding series has just released images of what we can expect the actual cars to look like when they take to the starting line. Think less Formula 3, and more Formula 1.

As it has been presented, the poetically-named Spark-Renault SRT 01E is a mix of mirror-like polished aluminum body work and carbon fiber struts and wings. Its aerodynamic package not only has the traditional elements that provide downforce and keep the wheels planted through the turns, but it also features a few touches like partially faired wheels to help keep the slipstream free of energy-robbing turbulence.

The collaboration is more than skin deep, too. According to Managing Director of Renault Sport Technologies Patrice Ratti, the French automaker will call on expertise derived from its experience in Formula 1 and its production of road-going EVs to keep the electrons in the drivetrain flowing properly. And we quote,

"Engineers from Renault Sport F1 and Renault Sport Technologies will collaborate with Spark Racing Technology team to optimize the electric and electronic layout and performance of the powertrain."

Besides the big partnership news, Formula E has also revealed that Bangkok, Thailand has been chosen as the ninth of ten cities that will host a race. Although it has a burgeoning auto-making industry, the Asian country lacks an international motorsport presence. This event should help raise that country's automotive profile and give the electric racing series one of its more interesting backdrops.

You can read the two official press releases by scrolling below, as well as view a clip of Formula E Holdings CEO Alejandro Agag discussing the concept of the series in a recent interview with the Financial Times.

Continue reading Formula E touts Renault relationship with new car design, adds Bangkok to calender

Formula E touts Renault relationship with new car design, adds Bangkok to calender originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 19 May 2013 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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