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[Carlos Ghosn: For Renault and Nissan, 70,000 EVs sold is just the beginning]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/carlos-ghosn-for-renault-and-nissan-70-000-evs-sold-is-just-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/carlos-ghosn-for-renault-and-nissan-70-000-evs-sold-is-just-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/carlos-ghosn-for-renault-and-nissan-70-000-evs-sold-is-just-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

carlos ghosn geneva 2013

Navigating the new world of electric vehicles takes leaps of faith and lots of planning. It also requires someone at the helm who's ready to try different things and also stick to his guns. In other words, it's not easy. But Renault and Nissan head Carlos Ghosn keeps on moving forward.

Speaking at the Geneva Motor Show this week, Ghosn said the EV automotive landscape is changing ("I think the breakthrough will come from China," he said), but his key EV strategy remains the same: be ready to sell plug-in vehicles when customers are ready to buy them. Together, Renault and Nissan have sold 70,000 electric cars already, so Ghosn has some experience in this arena.

"The 70,000 people today who drive our electric cars are very happy with them."

"What is interesting about electric cars is that the perception has changed," he said. "Four or five years ago, when we started with electric cars, people considered the electric car like a golf cart. But with with Leaf and now the Zoe, these are very good cars - performance, acceleration, styling, comfort. The 70,000 people today who drive our electric cars are very happy with them."

It's not just a matter of buying a plug-in vehicle and loving it, Ghosn said. A robust local infrastructure combined with a suitable range are the big factors that play into how happy people are with their EVs, he said. Basically, if you have range (or charging everywhere), then you like your EV. If you worry all the time, you don't.

"You don't need to put all your eggs in one basket."

Of course, having a variety of models can't hurt, either. Ghosn said Nissan will have more electric models coming but, for now, Nissan and Renault approach EVs in their own way. "Each company is going to have a different strategy," he said. "Nissan preferred not to have cars which are not gasoline engines transformed into electric cars. And Renault said, "I am going to move directly with these cars first: Fluence, Kangoo. Nissan said I'm going to start with the Leaf which exists only as an electric. The Zoe and Twizy exist only as electrics, and from time to time having different strategies is not so bad. You don't need to put all your eggs in one basket and have the same strategies just because you are allied. You can test different solutions and different approaches, as long as you share basic elements."

Carlos Ghosn: For Renault and Nissan, 70,000 EVs sold is just the beginning originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlos ghosnelectric vehicleleafnissanrenaultFri, 08 Mar 2013 13:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20493837/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20493837/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/08/carlos-ghosn-for-renault-and-nissan-70-000-evs-sold-is-just-th/20493837/article-detail.xml 20493837 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/carlos-ghosn-geneva-2013-montage-a-1362755911_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/carlos-ghosn-geneva-2013-montage-a-1362755911.jpg <![CDATA[Akka Link And Go proves you don't need to go anywhere to have fun in your car]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/akka-link-and-go-proves-you-dont-need-to-go-anywhere-to-have-fu/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/akka-link-and-go-proves-you-dont-need-to-go-anywhere-to-have-fu/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/akka-link-and-go-proves-you-dont-need-to-go-anywhere-to-have-fu/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Akka Focus Link And Go: Geneva 2013

It's hard to miss a giant green and yellow bubble car, even amid the wacky collection of vehicles that is the Geneva Motor Show. That's why the Akka Link And Go easily caught our eye this week, and when we saw the hexagon doors, the (apparent) lack of any sort of steering mechanism and the giant movie screen, well, we had to stop and check it out.

Turns out, this is a sort of living room on wheels, one with an integrated steering-suspension mechanism that is smaller than having two separate systems, leaving more room to party and interact with the many touchscreens. There is a mini steering wheel, but it hides behind one of the comfy chairs when it is turned around to face the rest of the group. Since the car has autonomous driving capability, you might never need to look where you're going. Oh, and the Link And Go is all electric, and it was parked next to a robotic arm that can plug-in and unplug the charging cord. Why bother with wireless charging when you could install a giant mechanical arm in your garage?

The car, or whatever you want to call it, isn't meant to be anything close to a production vehicle so there aren't any details about battery size or top speed. Instead, this is more a collection of ideas and technologies that the engineers at Akka (funded by the Yvelines General Council to the tune of 1.3 million euros) developed and that could be licensed or sold to larger companies to put into production. In other words, this is pure concept, baby. Enjoy.

Continue reading Akka Link And Go proves you don't need to go anywhere to have fun in your car

Akka Link And Go proves you don't need to go anywhere to have fun in your car originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akkaelectric vehicleevgenevageneva motor showgeneva motor show 2013link and goThu, 07 Mar 2013 14:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20491974/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20491974/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/07/akka-link-and-go-proves-you-dont-need-to-go-anywhere-to-have-fu/20491974/article-detail.xml 20491974 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/akka-concept-2013-geneva-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/akka-concept-2013-geneva-628.jpg <![CDATA[Tiny Colibri EV seats one, due in 2015 for under 10,000 euros]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/tiny-colibri-ev-seats-one-due-in-2015-for-under-10000-euros/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/tiny-colibri-ev-seats-one-due-in-2015-for-under-10000-euros/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/tiny-colibri-ev-seats-one-due-in-2015-for-under-10000-euros/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Innovative Mobility Automobile Colibri: Geneva 2013

Tiny electric vehicles intended for congested urban areas are nothing new. It's easy to see where the Colibri from Innocative Mobility Automobile GmbH (IMA), unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show this week, shares some intention DNA with EVs like the GM EN-V, the Myers Sparrow or the new Toyota i-Road. And so what if it does? A lot of people apparently think there is a market for compact EVs, and why should we discourage them? Each one brings something different to the table, and IMA says the Colibri's "distinct features are a long lifecycle and short charging times." That means a battery that should last for 2,000 charges, about equal to "at least" 220,000 km (137,000 miles) or eight years.

The Colibri, which means "hummingbird," seats one and has a top speed of 120 kilometers an hour (75 miles per hour). IMA claims the car has a range of 110 km (68 miles) from a 6.5-kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery. Zero-to-100 kmh (62 mph) time is apparently 9.9 seconds and you can get extras like air conditioning or bump the car up to the "sport version."

IMA says you can order the Colibri - which should start at under 10,000 euros - in 2014 for deliveries in 2015. Serial production "with an experienced contract manufacturer and other industry partners" could mean IMA will be making 17,000 Colibri vehicles a year. That may sound like an ambitious number, but IMA believes there is a "market potential of 500,000 customers" for cars like the Colibril. IMA specifically calls out "carsharing providers, municipalities and delivery and mobile nursing services, for whom the Colibri is economically interesting." The economic history of the car includes 2.8 million euros in funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, among other groups.

There is still work to do. On the display stand, the car was not in perfect working order. IMA couldn't put the gull-wing door down, for example, because the electronic locks were not working, and if they closed the car, they would not be able to get it open again (at least, not right away). So, enjoy the pictures of the open-door Colibri in the gallery and read the press release below.

Continue reading Tiny Colibri EV seats one, due in 2015 for under 10,000 euros

Tiny Colibri EV seats one, due in 2015 for under 10,000 euros originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The new Toyota i-Road concept moves in mysterious ways. So mysterious, in fact, that Toyota provided hourly driving demonstrations at its booth at the Geneva Motor Show. The quirky three-wheeler whirled around on a sort of road, the rear wheel looking for all the world like it was losing its grip around the corners - but it didn't. The movement of the all-electric two-seater caught the attention of the international automotive media representatives, often quite jaded at shows like these, as they walked by. Cameras came out. After a few minutes, the show was over.

We're pretty sure we are not the only ones interested in how this i-Road looks in motion, so we got our camera out, too, as you can see below.

Continue reading New i-Road concept scoots, ducks, weaves in Toyota booth

New i-Road concept scoots, ducks, weaves in Toyota booth originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclegenevageneva 2013geneva motor showi-roadtoyotaWed, 06 Mar 2013 16:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20491184/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20491184/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/06/new-i-road-concept-scoots-ducks-weaves-in-toyota-booth/20491184/article-detail.xml 20491184 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/toyota-i-road-geneva-2013-video_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/toyota-i-road-geneva-2013-video.png <![CDATA[Audi: Natural gas G-tron project exists "to have a future for the combustion engine"]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/audi-natural-gas-g-tron-project-future-combustion-engine/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/audi-natural-gas-g-tron-project-future-combustion-engine/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/audi-natural-gas-g-tron-project-future-combustion-engine/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

audi a3 g-tron

Audi has been quite vocal about what it considers the benefits of the natural gas-burning A3 Sportback G-Tron and, more importantly, the company's synthetic methane (E-Gas) fuel project. On the one hand, it's a very cool idea to take CO2 that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere and turn it into both hydrogen and synthetic natural gas (as Audi's E-Gas plant in Werlte, Germany will start doing later this year). On the other, the G-Tron simply uses another internal combustion engine doing what ICEs do best: burn fuel. Reiner Mangold, head of sustainable product development at Audi, said today at the Geneva Motor Show that that's kind of the point.

"The main idea is to bind the CO2 and to have a future for the combustion engine, to drive the eight-cylinder for our children," he said. "The G-Tron gives you CO2 figures that are really comparable to pure electric cars."

It's a very cool idea to take CO2 that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere and turn it into hydrogen and synthetic natural gas.

Citing trade secrets, Mangold would not describe exactly how the CO2 will be taken out of the atmosphere, but we do know that Audi's Wertle plant will make 1,000 tons of e-gas a year, which is enough to power 1,500 G-Trons for 15,000 miles each at a cost that is roughly three time higher than simply pumping natural gas out of the ground. The plan, still in the formulation stages, will be to pump the synthetic gas into the existing distribution network for fossil natural gas in Germany. A3 Sportback G-Tron buyers might be able to get (either buy or receive for free) an E-Gas contract that, while it doesn't actually get them E-Gas, shows that they're participating in the project. The details are still being worked out, Mangold said, but these contracts might be worth something in Germany's tax schemes and there won't be more than 1,500 such contracts available, since that's all the E-Gas that Audi can make.

Audi brought the A3 Sportback G-Tron to Geneva, and it will go on sale in Germany towards the end of the year. A bi-fuel car, the G-Tron can also burn regular gasoline. European regulations require that cars become efficient enough that they emit no more than 95 grams of CO2 per kilometer by 2020, and there is no way to do this right now using a combustion engine, Mangold said. "So we have to stop the combustion engine or we find some way to reduce the CO2, and we think this will be a good solution."

Audi: Natural gas G-tron project exists "to have a future for the combustion engine" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a3audicngegaselectric vehiclegenevageneva 2013geneva motor show 2013natural gasreiner mangoldTue, 05 Mar 2013 20:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20488891/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20488891/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/05/audi-natural-gas-g-tron-project-future-combustion-engine/20488891/article-detail.xml 20488891 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/audi-a3-g-tron-geneva-628p_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/audi-a3-g-tron-geneva-628p.jpg <![CDATA[First production Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell Vehicle prepped for Geneva]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/first-production-hyundai-ix35-fuel-cell-vehicle-prepped-for-gene/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/first-production-hyundai-ix35-fuel-cell-vehicle-prepped-for-gene/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/first-production-hyundai-ix35-fuel-cell-vehicle-prepped-for-gene/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell

It's at least 57 days late, but Hyundai will be bringing the first ix35 Fuel Cell production vehicle to Geneva next week. The SUV, rolled off the line in Ulsan, Korea today, even though Hyundai promised that the ix35 would start production by the end of 2012. Still, this is most concrete sign yet that Hyundai remains committed to it stated goal of making and leasing 1,000 hydrogen-powered ix35 vehicles (based on the standard ix35, aka Tuscon) by 2015. That's the year many automakers, like Nissan and Toyota, are planning to launch widespread H2 vehicles.

Hyundai says that ix35 Fuel Cell delivery to European customers is already underway, and the vehicle finished today is one of 17 that will be going to fleets in Copenhagen, Denmark (15) and Skane, Sweden (2). Europe will be the biggest early market for the new ix35, Hyundai says, "in order to prepare the market for mass production of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles" after costs are expected to come down after 2015. At that point, Hyundai plans to offer H2 vehicles for sale.

Differences between the gas- and hydrogen-powered ix35 vehicles include a refreshed radiator grille, bumper and fog lamps. The seven-inch GPS is also exclusive to the hydrogen-powered ix35. It has a top speed of 160 kilometers an hour and (99 miles an hour) and can go 594 kilometers (369 miles) per fill up. With today's production, Hyundai is laying claim to the title of "World's first automaker to launch mass production of Fuel Cell vehicles." We'll get a better look in Geneva, but for now you can see a pre-production from Paris last year.

Continue reading First production Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell Vehicle prepped for Geneva

First production Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell Vehicle prepped for Geneva originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel cellgenevageneva 2013geneva motor showhyundaiix35Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20479434/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20479434/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/26/first-production-hyundai-ix35-fuel-cell-vehicle-prepped-for-gene/20479434/article-detail.xml 20479434 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/hyundai-ix35-fuel-cell-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/hyundai-ix35-fuel-cell-628.jpg <![CDATA[Sbarro Réact' E.V. racing into Geneva]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/sbarro-react-ev-racing-into-geneva/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/sbarro-react-ev-racing-into-geneva/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/sbarro-react-ev-racing-into-geneva/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sbarro Réact' E.V. - front three-quarter rendering

Sbarro Réact' E.V. - rear three-quarter renderingA year ago, Espera Sbarro Montbéliard School of Design unveiled a two-seat, 137-horsepower, all-electric concept car called Intencity at the Geneva Motor Show. Last September, the school showed off a V8-powered rear-wheel-drive hot rod with 360 horsepower called Eight at the Paris Motor Show. For this year's Geneva craziness, design house Sbarro (no relation to the Italian food chain) is shooting for a compromise of sorts by pitching a bit of plug-in hybrid-electric trickery.

Next week, Sbarro will show off what it calls the Réact' E.V. (for "Ecological Vehicle") in Geneva. The car will combine a 210-horsepower gas engine made by Peugeot with two 137-horsepower electric motors, so we're talking about a pretty speedy car here. Little surprise, then, that Sbarro says it'll enter the React 'EV, which has a 24-kWh battery, in the Monte Carlo Rallye of New Energies in late March.

We'll know more next week, but we've got a few more technical details in the press release below.

Continue reading Sbarro Réact' E.V. racing into Geneva

Sbarro Réact' E.V. racing into Geneva originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Note

Yes, the Nissan Note looks a lot like a Honda Fit. Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's get to the details of the new B-segment model from the Japanese automaker, which will start selling the note in Europe this fall.

Nissan will unveil the Note at the Geneva Motor Show next month and will bring some higher-end features to the economy car. Blind-spot warning systems, lane-departure sensors and a multi-camera "helicopter view" parking assistant will all be part of the package, as well a stop-start idling system. Nissan says much of the Note's development work was done in the UK and Spain. The new Note has not yet been priced.

As for fuel economy the Note's base 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine will get about 50 miles per gallon, while a higher-end gas motor will bump that figure by about 10 percent. Nissan will also offer the note in a 1.5-liter turbodiesel engine that will get about 65 miles per gallon on Europe's lenient test cycle. Check out Nissan's press release below.

Continue reading New Nissan Note with 65 mpg* coming to Geneva in diesel, gas versions

New Nissan Note with 65 mpg* coming to Geneva in diesel, gas versions originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b-segmentgenevageneva motor shownissannoteTue, 19 Feb 2013 14:42:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20466699/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20466699/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/19/new-nissan-note-geneva/20466699/article-detail.xml 20466699 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/nissan-note-geneva-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/nissan-note-geneva-628.jpg <![CDATA[Peugeot will unveil 100+ mpg* hybrid 208 at Geneva]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/peugeot-unveil-208-hybrid-geneva-motor-show/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/peugeot-unveil-208-hybrid-geneva-motor-show/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/peugeot-unveil-208-hybrid-geneva-motor-show/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Peugeot 208 GTI

Can Peugeot's hybrid version of its 208 hybrid get from its home base of Paris to the next month's big auto show in Geneva sipping just three little gallons of petrol? That's what the French automaker may be saying as it gets ready to unveil the 208 HYbrid FE at the Geneva Motor Show.

Peugeot, which says it's showing off more than 30 models at the Geneva exhibition, has spelled out some details of the 208 HYbrid, and they are impressive. The car can go from 0-60 miles per hour in a brisk sub-eight seconds, while Peugeot has cut the vehicle's weight relative to the standard 208 by about 400 pounds by using lighter, composite materials. The car's also got low-rolling-resistance tires.

The upshot is that Peugeot says the 208 HYbrid FE emits just 49 grams of CO2 per kilometer, and while the automaker's not spelling out fuel-economy figures, that emissions level is equal to that of the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and that car gets about 107 miles per gallon, per the slightly more lenient European standards. And it's about 335 miles from Paris to Geneva. Mon dieu!

Check out Peugeot's press release below.

Continue reading Peugeot will unveil 100+ mpg* hybrid 208 at Geneva

Peugeot will unveil 100+ mpg* hybrid 208 at Geneva originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>208208 hybridgeneva motor showhybridpeugeotTue, 19 Feb 2013 09:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20466693/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20466693/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/19/peugeot-unveil-208-hybrid-geneva-motor-show/20466693/article-detail.xml 20466693 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/peugeot208gti_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/peugeot208gti.jpg <![CDATA[Citroen bringing hybrid air powertrian to Geneva in C3 VTi 82]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/citroen-bringing-hybrid-air-powertrian-to-geneva-in-c3-vti-82/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/citroen-bringing-hybrid-air-powertrian-to-geneva-in-c3-vti-82/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/citroen-bringing-hybrid-air-powertrian-to-geneva-in-c3-vti-82/#commentsFiled under: , ,

n-air-gy air hybrid citroen geneva

Clever. The air hybrid powertrain that Citroen will be bringing to the Geneva Motor Show next month is nicknamed N-Air-Gy. Or, at least, that's what it says in the rendering that Citroen released today in preparation for the Swiss event. We've heard about this technology before, with the hint that it might some day go into one of PSA Citroen's B-segment compact hatchbacks. In Geneva, the powertrain will be displayed in a C3 VTi 82 hatchback.

Officially called Hybrid Air, this powertrain, co-developed with Bosch, pairs a gasoline engine with compressed air hybraulic power. In other words, Hybrid Air takes the battery out of the traditional hybrid set-up while gaining similar fuel economy benefits. In the C3 concept, that means "record-breaking" fuel economy of just 2.9 liters per 100 km (roughly 81 miles per gallon, on the lenient European test cycle). Citroen says this is 45 percent less, in urban settings, than a similar ICE vehicle because the car moves using a hydraulic compressed air system that is "recharged" using regenerative brakes. An air hybrid car should also be cheaper than a similar vehice with a standard hybrid powertrain. Citroen says an air hybrid system doesn't impact on cargo space, making it all the more appealing in smaller vehicles. We'll learn more in Geneva.

Continue reading Citroen bringing hybrid air powertrian to Geneva in C3 VTi 82

Citroen bringing hybrid air powertrian to Geneva in C3 VTi 82 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air hybridc3citroencompressed airgenevageneva 2013geneva motor showhybridhydraulichydraulic hybridn-air-gynairgyFri, 15 Feb 2013 13:44:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20464058/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20464058/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/15/citroen-bringing-hybrid-air-powertrian-to-geneva-in-c3-vti-82/20464058/article-detail.xml 20464058 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/citroen-air-hybrid-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/citroen-air-hybrid-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Pininfarina mulling limited production run of Cambiano PHEV concept]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/pininfarina-mulling-limited-production-run-of-cambiano-phev-conc/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/pininfarina-mulling-limited-production-run-of-cambiano-phev-conc/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/pininfarina-mulling-limited-production-run-of-cambiano-phev-conc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Pininfarina Cambiano concept

A design studio and contract manufacturer, when Pininfarina builds a car it's typically under another brand's auspices. That could change, however, with the Cambiano.

Unveiled just last week at the Geneva Motor Show, the 680-horsepower plug-in hybrid coupe concept - which we had the opportunity to examine close-up in the ramp-up to the show - is being considered for limited production.

If built for public consumption, the Cambiano is tipped to ditch the concept's diesel turbine in favor of a more conventional electric powertrain with its range extended by a diesel engine. If Pininfarina were to build just ten examples, the pricetag on each would amount to about 1 million euros (approximately $1.3 million at today's conversion rates) but if ramped up to 70 or 75 units, each would fetch around 400,000 euros (about $525,000).

Pininfarina mulling limited production run of Cambiano PHEV concept originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cambianoelectric vehiclepininfarinapininfarina cambianopininfarina cambiano conceptplug-in hybridWed, 14 Mar 2012 09:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20192622/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20192622/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/14/pininfarina-mulling-limited-production-run-of-cambiano-phev-conc/20192622/article-detail.xml 20192622 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/-pininfarina-cambiano-concept-geneva---01-1331657168_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/-pininfarina-cambiano-concept-geneva---01-1331657168.jpg <![CDATA[Renault Zoe shows its low-cost, all-electric face]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/10/renault-zoe/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/10/renault-zoe/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/10/renault-zoe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Geneva 2012: Renault Zoe

Renault unveiled the production version of the Zoe all-electric car at the Geneva Motor Show this week, but what sounds most impressive is the car's price: £13,650 ($21,396 U.S. at today's exchange rates) after the government incentive of up to 25 percent of the car's cost in the UK. In France, the car starts at €20,750 ($27,200) but qualifies for a €5,000 ($6,555) grant, which brings the price down to €15,750 ($20,648). Interestingly, Renault says that "even in countries where tax incentives are not currently available, prices for ZOE are still particularly attractive" and then mentions Switzerland, where the cost is CHF 22,800 ($24,797). Of course, the reason for these low prices is hidden in the details of the battery lease, which, in the UK at least, costs £70 ($110) a month for a 9,000-mile/36-month contract.

We'll see if these numbers are attractive enough to get people to go electric, since Renault started taking pre-orders for the Zoe in 11 countries this week. Learn more about the Zoe and all of Renault's Geneva releases in the egregiously long press release available after the jump.

Continue reading Renault Zoe shows its low-cost, all-electric face

Renault Zoe shows its low-cost, all-electric face originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 08:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery leaseelectric vehiclegenevageneva 2012geneva motor showrenault zoezoezoe evSat, 10 Mar 2012 08:09:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20190133/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20190133/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/10/renault-zoe/20190133/article-detail.xml 20190133 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/renault-zoe-geneva-2012--628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/renault-zoe-geneva-2012--628.jpg <![CDATA[Valmet Dawn gets its Tron on in Geneva]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/valmet-dawn-bends-our-ev-loving-minds/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/valmet-dawn-bends-our-ev-loving-minds/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/valmet-dawn-bends-our-ev-loving-minds/#commentsFiled under: ,

Valmet Dawn

There are a lot of ways to describe the Valmet Dawn you see pictured above, but our favorite could be mouthed by Keanu Reeves: Whoa. And then we would expand it to WTF? As in, "Whoa the F?"

That's because Valmet Automotive - the makers of the Fisker Karma, among other vehicles - has wrapped its electric vehicle engineering chops in what is perhaps the most impractical and odd-looking concept vehicle we've ever seen. The Dawn concept is meant to show that Valmet can both research and develop EV components like drivetrains and batteries and put them together into a vehicle, a two-prong approach that Valmet says is a new strategic focus area for the company. With that in mind, perhaps it not a total surprise that Valmet hasn't released any sort of information about the range, power or really any real-world details about the Dawn. Like, for example, what's that blue disc in front? An inductive charger? A 21st Century cow catcher? An Identity Disc?

Valmet says this test bed vehicle "integrates both the component developer and integrator roles. Displaying the battery pack, drivetrain, control unit and charging options, it also shows what ultimately can be achieved in the world of electric mobility, by integrating solutions in an innovative fashion." Innovative. Yeah, that's the word.

Continue reading Valmet Dawn gets its Tron on in Geneva

Valmet Dawn gets its Tron on in Geneva originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 genevadawndawn concept vehicledawn electric cardawn evelectric vehiclegenevageneva 2012geneva dawngeneva motor showvalmetvalmet dawnvalmet evThu, 08 Mar 2012 11:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20188859/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20188859/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/08/valmet-dawn-bends-our-ev-loving-minds/20188859/article-detail.xml 20188859 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-valmet-automotive-dawn-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-valmet-automotive-dawn-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Minimalist Toyota FT-Bh Concept boasts 112 miles per gallon]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/minimalist-toyota-ft-bh-concept-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/minimalist-toyota-ft-bh-concept-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/minimalist-toyota-ft-bh-concept-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota FT-Bh Concept

If what Toyota tells us about the FT-Bh is true, it's not some futuristic fantasy, but a design study that points to what a next generation Yaris hybrid might look like. With an unbelievably low, sub-1,800-pound curb weight and a 0.235 coefficient of drag, the FT-Bh uses minimalist design rather than sci-fi technology to achieve 112 miles per gallon.

The FT-Bh packs a two-cylinder, one-liter gas engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle, and uses lithium-ion batteries for it's hybrid drive system. Toyota says a compressed natural gas hybrid and a plug-in hybrid version would also be possible.

But what's really impressive about the FT-Bh is its massive weight reduction. Toyota says it managed to reduce the mass of the car by 25 percent when compared to the current Yaris. Much of that came in the interior parts and trim, which weigh half that of the production car. Toyota says that this drastic diet also makes possible a low center of gravity - just over 21 inches - that helps improve the FT-Bh's handling.

While the FT-Bh may look a little weird - we're reminded of how odd the Prius looked before we'd gotten used to the shape - this may well be what the next generation of hybrids will look like. While Toyota has thrown out some branding buzzwords to describe the FT-Bh's "Ecomotion" theme (or is that "Under Priority" design language? or "Keen Look" styling?) the bottom line is that it's all about aerodynamics. This is why the FT-Bh uses cameras rather than side-view mirrors and doesn't have door handles. It's also why the front end has those "air curtain" intakes and there's an underfloor spoiler in the rear.

While we certainly wouldn't expect to see something so radical roll off a production line next year, as the company shows more concepts like this and the NS4 it showed at Detroit, it seems that Toyota wants its next hybrid designs to be as revolutionary as its first.

Check out our galleries of live and official photos, and see below for the full press release.

Continue reading Minimalist Toyota FT-Bh Concept boasts 112 miles per gallon

Minimalist Toyota FT-Bh Concept boasts 112 miles per gallon originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ft-bhft-bh conceptgenevageneva 2012geneva motor showhybridtoyotatoyota ft-bhtoyota ft-bh conceptThu, 08 Mar 2012 09:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20188571/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20188571/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/08/minimalist-toyota-ft-bh-concept-geneva-2012/20188571/article-detail.xml 20188571 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/toyota-ft-bh-concept-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/toyota-ft-bh-concept-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Smart ForTwo Brabus Electric Drive is a black and green upgrade]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/smart-fortwo-brabus-electric-drive-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/smart-fortwo-brabus-electric-drive-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/smart-fortwo-brabus-electric-drive-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Smart ForTwo Brabus Electric Drive

If given the choice, we'd grab the keys to an all-electric Smart ForTwo way before its gasoline-powered sibling, if for no other reason than it would mean we wouldn't have to put up with that horrid automated manual transmission. But such faint praise isn't really fair to the Brabus Electric Drive. After all, it's got 80 horsepower on tap, which is plenty for the little urban runabout, and its 100 pound-feet of torque ought to be available from zero rpm.

Brabus has also seen fit to lower the Smart ED 10 millimeters closer to the pavement, which, along with the 16-inch front and 17-inch rear monoblock wheels, should improve the way it handles. Less convincing an upgrade is the onboard sound generator... though perhaps one strategically pulled fuse might make short work of that oversight.

Feel free to peruse the press release below, but not before checking out our high-res image gallery of live photos from the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Continue reading Smart ForTwo Brabus Electric Drive is a black and green upgrade

Smart ForTwo Brabus Electric Drive is a black and green upgrade originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 07:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brabusbrabus fortwo edbrabus fortwo electric drivefortwofortwo edfortwo electric drivegenevageneva 2012geneva motor showsmartsmart fortwo edSmart Fortwo Electric DriveThu, 08 Mar 2012 07:52:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20188567/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20188567/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/08/smart-fortwo-brabus-electric-drive-geneva-2012/20188567/article-detail.xml 20188567 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/smart-fortwo-brabus-electric-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/smart-fortwo-brabus-electric-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Toyota Yaris Hybrid plays big brother to the Prius C]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/2012-toyota-yaris-hybrid-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/2012-toyota-yaris-hybrid-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/2012-toyota-yaris-hybrid-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Toyota Yaris Hybrid

Toyota has unveiled the 2012 Yaris Hybrid at the Geneva Motor Show - the first B-segment hybrid in Europe. While the vehicle makes use of a 74-horsepower 1.5-liter gasoline engine, engineers mated the internal combustion mill with a more compact 80-hp electric motor along with a smaller inverter and battery pack. Combined, the two can crank out up to 100 combined horsepower. Toyota says the Atkinson-cycle engine and it's associated techno wizardry is 20 percent lighter than the standard 1.8-liter hybrid drivetrain found in most of the company's hybrid offerings.

Speaking of batteries, the Yaris Hybrid stores its power via a nickel-metal hydride pack. With fewer cells than those found in the Auris Hybrid, the batteries are around 20 percent lighter. The drivetrain will net buyers a fuel consumption rating of just 3.5 liters per 100 kilometers, or around 67 mpg on the European scale. Click past the break for the full press release.

Continue reading 2012 Toyota Yaris Hybrid plays big brother to the Prius C

2012 Toyota Yaris Hybrid plays big brother to the Prius C originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20122012 toyot yaris hatchbackgenevageneva 2012geneva motor showhatchbacktoyota yaris hatchbackyarisyaris hatchbackWed, 07 Mar 2012 20:40:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20188480/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20188480/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/07/2012-toyota-yaris-hybrid-geneva-2012/20188480/article-detail.xml 20188480 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/toyota-yaris-hybrid-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/toyota-yaris-hybrid-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Morgan Plus E is all aluminum and fully electric]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/morgan-plus-e-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/morgan-plus-e-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/morgan-plus-e-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: ,



Morgan isn't typically one to embrace change. The company is still proudly building a V-Twin three-wheeler and sawing components from trees, but the Morgan Plus E on display at the Geneva Motor Show is a clear step into the blinding light of the future.

The vehicle features the automaker's next-generation aluminum chassis as well as a 94-horsepower electric motor. If you're frowning at the lack of gusto on hand, allow us to point out two figures. First, the Zytek electric motor cranks out 221 pound-feet of torque from the instant you breathe on the accelerator. Second, the Plus E tips the scales at a relatively light 2,755 pounds.

Batteries, controllers and the like are housed under the traditional bi-hinged hood, and a five-speed manual transmission puts power from the electric motor to the rear wheels. Morgan claims the vehicle can clip off a 62 mph run in a quick-enough six seconds, and top speed sits at around 115 mph. While there's a 120-mile range with the Plus E, there's no word on how long it will take to charge the machine. Likewise, Morgan isn't saying whether or not the vehicle will make it to production.

Continue reading Morgan Plus E is all aluminum and fully electric

Morgan Plus E is all aluminum and fully electric originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electricelectric morganelectric vehiclegenevageneva 2012geneva motor showmorganmorgan plus eplus eWed, 07 Mar 2012 13:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20188160/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20188160/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/07/morgan-plus-e-geneva-2012/20188160/article-detail.xml 20188160 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/morgan-egeneva201214-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/morgan-egeneva201214-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Volkswagen Polo Blue GT mixes fun and frugality]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/2012-volkswagen-polo-blue-gt-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/2012-volkswagen-polo-blue-gt-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/2012-volkswagen-polo-blue-gt-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Volkswagen Polo Blue GT

Volkswagen already offers quite a bit of fun in the small hatchback segment with the 177-horsepower, 40-mpg Polo GTI, but for those wanting even better fuel economy without sacrificing any fun, VW has announced the Polo Blue GT.

Fitted with the new 1.4-liter TSI inline-four, the Blue GT is capable of achieving up to 50 mpg thanks to direct injection, cylinder deactivation and stop/start technology. With 138 horsepower, the hatchback is capable of reaching 62 mph in 7.9 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 130 mph.

Distinguishing itself from the rest of the Polo lineup, the Blue GT features a mix of components from the VW parts bin including front and rear bumpers and a rear spoiler from the Polo GTI, as well as side sills from the BlueMotion model. The car also features unique 17-inch wheels, special badging and a lowered ride height of 15mm. Inside the Blue GT gets redesigned sports seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and instrumentation from the GTI model.

Read up on the Volkswagen Polo Blue GT in VW's official press release below or browse through our live photos of the car in the gallery above.

Continue reading 2012 Volkswagen Polo Blue GT mixes fun and frugality

2012 Volkswagen Polo Blue GT mixes fun and frugality originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 geneva motor showgeneva 2012geneva motor showpolopolo blue gtvolkswagenvolkswagen polo blue gtWed, 07 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20188142/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20188142/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/07/2012-volkswagen-polo-blue-gt-geneva-2012/20188142/article-detail.xml 20188142 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/volkswagen-polo-blue-gt-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/volkswagen-polo-blue-gt-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Volvo V40 takes aim at A3, 1 Series]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/2012-volvo-v40-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/2012-volvo-v40-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/2012-volvo-v40-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Volvo V40

With the S40 gone and the C30 on its way out the door, Volvo has a few holes in its line that Audi and BMW are happy to fill with the all-new A3 and 1 Series, respectively.

Enter the V40, a five-door hatch that's one of the most attractive designs from Sweden since the Ikea Skürg. It's a svelte bit of kit, with an organic fascia bleeding into a subtly sculpted hood and capped off with a sloping roofline that can be had in full panoramic glass.

Like the exterior, the interior is a mild evolution of Volvo's current design ethos, with a minimalist, floating center stack situated beneath a large touchscreen display.

Power is provided by Volvo's ubiquitous 254-horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder mated to either a six-speed automatic or manual gearbox, good for a 6.7-second run to 60 mph. Start-stop tech and regenerative braking are standard, along with Volvo's usual suite of safety features.

But alas, the V40 is not for U.S. consumption. Which is a shame, because the States could benefit from an alternative that slots in with the entry-level Germans. Check out the complete press release below.

Continue reading 2012 Volvo V40 takes aim at A3, 1 Series

2012 Volvo V40 takes aim at A3, 1 Series originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 volvo v40genevageneva 2012geneva motor showregenerative brakingstart-stopv40volvovolvo v40Wed, 07 Mar 2012 11:27:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20187975/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20187975/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/07/2012-volvo-v40-geneva-2012/20187975/article-detail.xml 20187975 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-volvo-v40-live-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-volvo-v40-live-628.jpg <![CDATA[Tata Megapixel is a high-res effort on a low-res budget]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/tata-megapixel-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/tata-megapixel-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/tata-megapixel-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tata Megapixel

What's the next Tata Nano going to look like? The Megapixel concept is a good indication of where the Indian brand's ultra cheap micro-car could be headed in the next few years, and if the onboard tech makes it to production, the Megapixel could be one of the most compelling - and most affordable - city cars in the world.

Measuring in at a scant 138 inches, the Megapixel combines a small footprint with four electrically powered and individually articulating wheels that help it achieve an impressive nine-foot turning radius.

Power is provided by the aforementioned wheel-mounted electric motors which can deliver a maximum of 369 pound-feet of torque, with a 13kW lithium-ion battery pack providing the juice. A 325cc single-cylinder gasoline engine will refill the batteries for trips longer than 54 miles, giving the Megapixel a theoretical range of over 560 miles. A production model is still a ways out, but with Tata's continued expansion and ambition, we wouldn't be surprised to see something like the Megapixel on sale in India and other developing markets by the end of the decade.

Tata Megapixel is a high-res effort on a low-res budget originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2012geneva motor showmegapixeltatatata megapixeltata megapixel conceptWed, 07 Mar 2012 10:48:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20187936/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20187936/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/07/tata-megapixel-geneva-2012/20187936/article-detail.xml 20187936 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-tata-mega-pixel-live-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-tata-mega-pixel-live-628.jpg -1 2