Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Opel planning a new minicar for Europe, looking for development partner]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/opel-planning-a-new-minicar-for-europe-looking-for-development/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/opel-planning-a-new-minicar-for-europe-looking-for-development/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/opel-planning-a-new-minicar-for-europe-looking-for-development/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



According to Alain Visser, Opel's head of sales and marketing, Opel needs a minicar to compete. However, developing a new minicar is a huge expense, and even though Opel has set aside €250 million for this car, the company would like a partner. It's not unusual: Ford and Fiat share the Fiat Panda/Fiat 500/Ford Ka platform; Toyota and PSA share the Toyota Aygo/Citroën C1/Peugeot 107 structure. Opel has already a similar model, the Agila (shown above), which is jointly made with the Suzuki Splash but it's a little big for the minicar segment. As for possible powertrain hints, Magna/Opel has confirmed that it would have an electric powertrain available as soon as in 2012.

[Source: Automotive news (subs. req'd)]

Opel planning a new minicar for Europe, looking for development partner originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city carCityCarmagna opelMagnaOpelminicaropelopel mini caropel minicarOpelMiniCarsuperminiFri, 16 Oct 2009 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[eKRAD developing eQUAD [w/VIDEO]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/ekrad-developing-equad-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/ekrad-developing-equad-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/ekrad-developing-equad-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,


eQUAD prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

While we await word of when production will begin of their electric supermoto (their website says late 2009) the folks who cooked up the eKRAD have been keeping busy with another possible product; the eQUAD. Though not much is yet known about the four-wheeled machine we can say that, like their bike, they plan on both an off-road and a street legal version. According to Peter Würterle, one of the main men behind the project, that would be the first of its kind in Europe.

The electric quad will have a motor and controller different from that installed in its two-wheeled brother that should be good for about 50 hp. No word on the battery but we expect the chemistry to be the same lithium polymer that's nestled within the eKRAD. If you're wondering if 50 horses supplies enough juice to light up the tires you'll find your answer after the break with a pair of videos showing the prototype caught in action on some asphalt. Since it's Saturday, we'll throw in a third blooper video that vividly demonstrates why wearing a helmet on machines like these is a good idea.


Gallery: eQUAD prototype


[Source: eKRAD / YouTube]

Continue reading eKRAD developing eQUAD [w/VIDEO]

eKRAD developing eQUAD [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eKRADelectric four wheelerelectric quadElectricFourWheelerElectricQuadeQUADeQUAD prototypeEquadPrototypeSat, 10 Oct 2009 08:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen installs larger CNG tank in the Touran TSI EcoFuel, extends range to 444 miles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/volkswagen-installs-larger-cng-tank-in-the-touran-tsi-ecofuel-e/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/volkswagen-installs-larger-cng-tank-in-the-touran-tsi-ecofuel-e/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/volkswagen-installs-larger-cng-tank-in-the-touran-tsi-ecofuel-e/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The VW Touran TSI EcoFuel MPV is getting an additional compressed natural gas (CNG) tank that significantly improves the car's range. A new tank placed under the trunk increases the total CNG capacity from 18 to 24 kg. Since the Touran TSI Ecofuel uses 4.6 kg of CNG to run 100 km, the compact MPV can now be driven for 570 km (354 miles) before needing a refill. The car has an additional 11-liter gasoline reservoir, which is enough for additional 150 km (90 miles). Based on current German fuel prices, it costs €4.5 to drive the car 100 km using CNG, compared to €9 if it ran on gasoline or €7 on diesel. CO2 emissions for a vehicle this hefty remain low, at 126 g/km. The one inconvenience? Just the 5-seat Touran is available with the extra tank.

[Source: Auto News]

Volkswagen installs larger CNG tank in the Touran TSI EcoFuel, extends range to 444 miles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>touranvolkswagen touranVolkswagenTouranFri, 09 Oct 2009 16:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche goes green with an all-new paintshop]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/porsche-goes-green-with-an-all-new-paintshop/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/porsche-goes-green-with-an-all-new-paintshop/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/porsche-goes-green-with-an-all-new-paintshop/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Porsche headquarters in Stuttgart will soon have a new paint-shop that, according to the company, is going to be one of the most environment-friendly in the world. The facility will be opened in 2011 and will be in charge of up to 170 Boxter and 911 models per day. How does a paint-shop become environmentally friendly? First of all, dust protection: the painting process is fully encapsulated, which reduces the room where painting takes place. The painting hall also features an electrostatic precipitator for paint dust, which reduces the emissions of solvents and particles. As a consequence, the facility can use a simple 10-meter smokestack for the air purifier. The paintshop also features all kind of energy saving devices and water treatment technologies.

[Source: Porsche]

Porsche goes green with an all-new paintshop originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car paintCarPaintgreen car paint systemsgreen paintinggreen paintshopGreenCarPaintSystemsGreenPaintingGreenPaintshoppaintshopporsche factoryPorscheFactorystuttgartFri, 09 Oct 2009 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford of Germany offers retrofit diesel particulate filters for just €133.33]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/ford-of-germany-offers-retrofit-diesel-particulate-filters-for-j/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/ford-of-germany-offers-retrofit-diesel-particulate-filters-for-j/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/ford-of-germany-offers-retrofit-diesel-particulate-filters-for-j/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Ford S-Max - Click on image for high-res gallery

Ford has launched a campaign to retrofit diesel vehicles in Germany with diesel particulate filters (DPF) for a very attractive price: just €133.33 (plus installation and 19 percent VAT). This measure complements the German Federal government incentive to retrofit DPFs. Eligible cars are those that are subject to Euro III and Euro IV antipollution rules, and the ones that can benefit from this attractive price are the Fiesta, the Fusion, the Focus, the C-MAX, the Galaxy, the Mondeo, the Transit Connect and the Tourneo Ford Connect. Retrofitting DPFs is an important change in Germany, as many cities are banning diesel vehicles without DPFs from city centers and diesel owners face the threat of an additional road tax of €1.2 per 0.1 liter of engine displacement if their car doesn't have a DPF.

Gallery: 2009 Ford S-Max


[Source: Ford of Germany]

Ford of Germany offers retrofit diesel particulate filters for just €133.33 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antiparticulate filtersAntiparticulateFiltersdiesel particulate filtersdiesel particulatesDieselParticulateFiltersDieselParticulatesmotorcraftretrofittingtax incentiveTaxIncentiveThu, 08 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Developing the E-Wolf e1]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/video-development-of-the-e-wolf-e1/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/video-development-of-the-e-wolf-e1/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/video-development-of-the-e-wolf-e1/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The development of the E-Wolf e1 - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Together with the introduction of the E-Wolf e1 during the Frankfurt Motor Show, E-Wolf released a video about the development of the unusual vehicle. The video explains how the car was developed to present the maximum sporting spirit or, as the video says, to make the "extreme sports car." DTM pilot Johannes Seidlitz helped out with the e1 project, which resulted in a car that weighs only 500 kg (1102 lb) and can only be driven by drivers who are no heavier than than 70kg (150lbs). The e1 uses a 110kW, quadripolar, liquid-cooled, AC induction motor (150hp) that propels the car to 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in less than five seconds and offers a maximum speed of 230 km/h and maximum torque of 250 Nm (185 lb-ft). Watch the video after the jump.

[Source: Youtube via Le Blog Auto]

Continue reading VIDEO: Developing the E-Wolf e1

VIDEO: Developing the E-Wolf e1 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e wolfe-wolfe-wolf e1E-wolfE1e1EWolffrankfurtfrankfurt 2009Frankfurt2009johannes seidlitzJohannesSeidlitzTue, 06 Oct 2009 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Sales of natural gas powered cars increase in Germany]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/sales-of-natural-gas-powered-cars-increase-in-germany/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/sales-of-natural-gas-powered-cars-increase-in-germany/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/sales-of-natural-gas-powered-cars-increase-in-germany/#commentsFiled under: ,



Despite the general economic downturn - felt in Germany as much as anywhere else - sales in Germany of natural gas (CNG) powered cars increased by 14 percent this year. Specifically, the increase saw 6,561 more CNG vehicles sold this year so far, adding about 80,000 CNG vehicles to German roads. Most of these models belong to two home brands, Volkswagen and Opel. The top sellers were the VW Caddy (with 2,476 units), the Opel Zafira (839 units), the VW Passat (758 units) and the Volkswagen Touran (562 units). One of the reasons for the increase in sales is the lower costs of natural gas in Germany. it costs about half as much to run a car on CNG than on unleaded gasoline in Germay, and there are lower taxes and insurance costs to consider as well.

[Source: Auto News]

Sales of natural gas powered cars increase in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car salescar sales germanyCarSalesCarSalesGermanycngWed, 30 Sep 2009 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Austrian hyper-miler beats his own record when driving a Seat Ibiza Ecomotive to 100 mpg]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/austrian-hyper-miler-beats-his-own-record-when-driving-a-seat-ib/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/austrian-hyper-miler-beats-his-own-record-when-driving-a-seat-ib/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/austrian-hyper-miler-beats-his-own-record-when-driving-a-seat-ib/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Last May, Austrian Gerhard Plattner took a Seat Ibiza Ecomotive and drove it from the factory where it was built, in Martorell (near Barcelona), Spain, and drove it a distance of 970.6 miles using just 2.9 liters of fuel per 100 km. This comes to 81.1 mpg (U.S.), an impressive figure. But, since there's always room for improvement, Plattner repeated the test. This time, he completed a 1,910-km (1,187-mile) tour that used just 44.8 liters of gas. That means Plattner managed to improve his average consumption figure to 2.34 liters per 100 km (100 mpg U.S.). The government fuel consumption rating for the model is 3.7 l /100 km (64 mpg).

Plattner's route wound its way through the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and France on the way to Germany, where the car was to be shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Seat Ibiza Ecomotive is powered by a 1.4-liter diesel engine featuring a diesel particulate filter that puts out 80hp. That's plenty when you're getting 100 mpg.

[Source: Auto News]

Austrian hyper-miler beats his own record when driving a Seat Ibiza Ecomotive to 100 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecomotiveGerhard PlattnerGerhardPlattnerhyper milinghypermilershypermilingibiza ecomotiveIbizaEcomotiveseat ibizaseat ibiza ecomotiveSeatIbizaSeatIbizaEcomotiveWed, 30 Sep 2009 11:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Want an electric Trabant? It's already here]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/want-an-electric-trabant-its-already-here/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/want-an-electric-trabant-its-already-here/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/want-an-electric-trabant-its-already-here/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

DIY electric Trabant conversion - click above for high res gallery

While we were enjoying the look of the updated and all-electric Trabant nT concept that made its debut in Frankfurt, reader Nikki made sure we knew that an electric Trabant is already here. As we can see in the before and after pics, the car looks wonderful (if you, like us, are a fan of the original Trabi's iconic lines) in its new gorgeous blue paintwork. We love it.

Underhood, the old two-stroke engine has been replaced with an EV system that uses ten 58 Ah Odyssey Lead acid gel batteries, a Zapi controller with regen and speed limit to move the old Eastern Bloc vehicle to 70 mph (the old petrol Trabant topped out at about 62 mph). DIY mechanic Martin, in Bristol, UK, needed to work around a lot of interesting issued to make the Elektrotrabi, including finding only one place to put the controller and needing to plug holes created by the conversion with an aluminum plate. Find more pictures over on Flickr.

Gallery: DIY Electric Trabant



Want an electric Trabant? It's already here originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diydiy conversionDiyConversionelectric conversionelectric trabiElectricConversionElectricTrabiev conversionEvConversiontrabanttrabant evtrabant ntTrabantEvTrabantNttrabitrabi evTrabiEvMon, 28 Sep 2009 17:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi attacks the low-CO<sub>2</sub> European market with two new models]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/audi-attacks-the-low-co-sub-2-sub-european-market-with-two-new/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/audi-attacks-the-low-co-sub-2-sub-european-market-with-two-new/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/audi-attacks-the-low-co-sub-2-sub-european-market-with-two-new/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



VW has announced that all brands in the VW Group are getting the all-new common-rail 1.6-liter diesels across the range. This new engine, when installed into the Audi A3, manages to reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. While the 1.9-liter TDIe managed to burn 4.1 l/100 km, the new 1.6-liter lowers it to 3.8 l/100 km (a drop of 57 to 62 mpg U.S.), and CO2 emissions go from 109 to 99 g/km. Besides the new engine, the car gets all the standard improvements to keep diesel consumption low: aerodynamic improvements, low-rolling resistance tires and a lowered body. If you don't like diesels and you prefer a frugal gasoline powerplant, Audi would like you to look at the 1.2-liter Turbo engine that produces 105hp and 175 Nm of torque (129 lb-ft). This engine, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, will replace the current base engine for Europe, the veteran 1.6-liter. Fuel consumption is a solid 5.5 l/100 km (43 mpg U.S.) but CO2 emissions remain at 127 g/km. Both models are going on sale in Germany during the first half of 2010, with prices starting at €23,550 and €20,500, respectively.

[Source: Auto News and Auto News]

Audi attacks the low-CO2 European market with two new models originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-6 liter1-6Literaudi tdieaudi-tdieAudiTdielow-co2tditdieWed, 23 Sep 2009 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: German goverment plugs in for EVs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/frankfurt-2009-german-goverment-plugs-in-for-evs/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/frankfurt-2009-german-goverment-plugs-in-for-evs/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/frankfurt-2009-german-goverment-plugs-in-for-evs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Before the Frankfurt Motor Show brought us the latest models and concepts from automakers, it was opened by German Chancelor Angela Merkel. The inauguration speech by the Chancellor included describing her country's support for electric vehicles: Germany expects that there will be up to seven million EVs, including plug-ins, and about 18 million hybrid cars in 2020. These figures would account for a third of the expected cars on German roads at that time. Merkel's speech divided the expansion of EVs into three phases. The first one, from 2012 to 2014 would aim to get EV sales up to 30,000 cars per year, and would include €5,000 subvention or tax breaks from the German Federal Government, similar to 17 other European countries. During the second phase, from 2015 to 2018, the market would be mature enough to have about 100,000 sales per year, which would be incentived with about €2,000 and special measures such as parking rights and exclusive lanes. All of this leads to the third phase, in 2019 and 2020, where Merkel said she hopes for 250,000 sales per year.

[Source: Auto News]

Frankfurt 2009: German goverment plugs in for EVs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angela merkelAngelaMerkelgerman electric car marketgerman EV previsionsGermanElectricCarMarketGermanEvPrevisionsgermany chancellorgermany EVGermanyChancellorGermanyEvmerkelprevisionsFri, 18 Sep 2009 18:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi hiring 100 young engineers for ePerformance project]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/audi-hiring-100-young-engineers-for-eperformance-project/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/audi-hiring-100-young-engineers-for-eperformance-project/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/audi-hiring-100-young-engineers-for-eperformance-project/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Before we forget, the address where you should send in your resumé, if you want to try out for any of these positions, is here. There. Now that that's done, what job openings are we talking about? Audi has announced they are hiring 100 young engineers for ePerformance, a project house to help the development of an integrated concept for electric drives in automobiles. ePerformance is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, which tries to bring together research organizations and industry partners. "We are giving young people secure jobs, personal development opportunities and interesting prospects for the future. At the same time, we are making targeted and sustainable investments in specialists for electronics, battery technology and power electronics," says Audi Board Member for HR Dr. Werner Widuckel.

Gallery: Audi e-Tron renderings



[Source: Audi]

Audi hiring 100 young engineers for ePerformance project originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audieperformancehiringWed, 16 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: E-Wolf e1, the no-compromises racing EV with a driver weight limit]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-e-wolf-e1-the-no-compromises-racing-ev-with-a-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-e-wolf-e1-the-no-compromises-racing-ev-with-a-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-e-wolf-e1-the-no-compromises-racing-ev-with-a-d/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The e1 and e2 are two lightweight sports cars that recall the Lotus 7, this time fitted to an electric drive. The models come from Germany, and are the result of the work of E-Wolf, the Saxony Lightweight Center and the Institute for Lightweight Structures and Polymer Technology at the Technical University of Dresden. Street-legal, the e1 is being introduced during the Frankfurt Motor Show. The e2 is just an idea at this time, and will arrive in two years.

The most remarkable features of the e1 are the light weight: 500 kg (1102 lb) and that it can only be driven by drivers that are no heavier than than 70kg (150lb, no comment). It uses a 110kW, quadripolar, liquid-cooled, AC induction motor (150hp) that propels the car to 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in less than five seconds and gives the e1 a maximum speed of 230 km/h and maximum torque of 250 Nm (185 lb-ft). The lithium-ion batteries, distributed along the car's floor, weigh only 84 kg and use a signature ceramic membrane that separates the anode from the cathode, giving the car a range over 300 km (200 mi). Want one? The custom cars sell for €150,000.

[Source: Auto news]

Frankfurt 2009: E-Wolf e1, the no-compromises racing EV with a driver weight limit originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-wolfe-wolf e1E-wolfE1e1ewolfewolf e1EwolfE1Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Audi A4 and A4 Avant go biofuel in Germany]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-audi-a4-and-a4-avant-go-biofuel-in-germany/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-audi-a4-and-a4-avant-go-biofuel-in-germany/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-audi-a4-and-a4-avant-go-biofuel-in-germany/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Audi A4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi's big green reveal from the Frankfurt Motor Show is undoubtedly the e-Tron electric supercar - especially considering the recent comments about electric cars and diesels made by Audi North America President Johan de Nysschen. But there's another type of fuel/energy that Audi drivers in Germany can now use to move their four-ringed vehicles around: ethanol. Audi has never been a particularly strong proponent of the biofuel, but the A4 and A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI flexible fuel models are not the first to get the ethanol treatment.

The flex-fuel engine is a modified version of the standard 2.0 TFSI with Audi valvelift and start-stop system and both engines have the same torque (236.02 lb-ft between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm) and horsepower (180) outputs. A new A4 running on E85 will get 26 mpg (U.S.) on the European cycle, while the A4 Avant gets just 25.5 mpg (U.S.). Super unleaded petro-gasoline turns these numbers into 36.7 and 35.6 mpg (U.S.), respectively. Germany currently has around 300 E85 stations.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Audi A4 Avant


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Audi A4 and A4 Avant go biofuel in Germany

Frankfurt 2009: Audi A4 and A4 Avant go biofuel in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a4 avantA4Avantaudiaudi a4audi a4 avantaudi ethanolAudiA4AudiA4AvantAudiEthanolfalseTue, 15 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Newest Tesla Motors store opens in Münich today]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/newest-tesla-motors-store-opens-in-munich-today/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/newest-tesla-motors-store-opens-in-munich-today/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/newest-tesla-motors-store-opens-in-munich-today/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Tesla store in LA pictures - Click for complete gallery

Tesla Motors continues its exploration of the Old Continent with a new shop open in Münich, Germany, today (Thursday, Sept. 10th), right before the introduction of the Tesla Roadster Sport model. The shop opens its doors after the first one on the European side of the Atlantic, in London, but before the one set for Monaco which should arrive before the end of the year. Because of its location in one of the largest German cities as well as being close to Switzerland and Austria, the Münich store could reach beyond the German market. According to Tesla, the company expects to split sales 50/50 between Europe and North America before too long.

Gallery: AutoblogGreen visits Tesla Store LA


[Source: Reuters via Le Blog Auto]

Newest Tesla Motors store opens in Münich today originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>tesla concessiontesla dealertesla motorstesla roadstertesla shoptesla storeTeslaConcessionTeslaDealerTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterTeslaShopTeslaStoreThu, 10 Sep 2009 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the Luis: a Chinese-German EV for under €12,000]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/meet-the-luis-a-chinese-german-ev-for-under-12-000/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/meet-the-luis-a-chinese-german-ev-for-under-12-000/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/meet-the-luis-a-chinese-german-ev-for-under-12-000/#commentsFiled under: , ,



German company Luis has announced that its Luis Free EV is now on sale for less than €12,000. The car, which is built in China by a non-disclosed partner, can be ordered with two different power outputs: 5.5 kW and 8 kW under the fiberglass bodywork. The low-power model, which reaches a maximum speed of 60 km/h (40 mph) is classified as a NEV. The second, with a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50mph), requires a standard driver's license to operate. Seating four, the Luis Free EV has a declared range of about 200 km (120 miles) although the battery technology hasn't been disclosed. Luis claims that the car can be charged up to 80 percent in a normal household outlet in about two hours, reaching full capacity in five hours.

[Source: Auto News]

Meet the Luis: a Chinese-German EV for under €12,000 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>luisluis autoluis electric carluis evluis freeluis free evLuisAutoLuisElectricCarLuisEvLuisFreeLuisFreeEvTue, 08 Sep 2009 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Germany setting sights on one million electric cars by 2020?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/germany-sets-sights-on-one-million-electric-cars-by-2020/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/germany-sets-sights-on-one-million-electric-cars-by-2020/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/germany-sets-sights-on-one-million-electric-cars-by-2020/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


MINI E - click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from the Associated Press (via Drive.com.au), Germany is about to get serious about electric cars. How serious? Chancellor Angela Merkel's Cabinet is currently drafting a plan that would aim to put a million electric cars on German roadways by 2020.

To meet that lofty goal, a series of financial incentives are reportedly on the table that would start in 2012. It's not clear as of yet what these stimulus packages would include, but specifics are to be announced in the fall. We'd expect manufacturers, suppliers and consumers would all get some sort of incentive thrown their way to build or purchase EVs.

It's no secret that German automakers like Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW have lagged well behind Asian and American automakers in electric and hybrid vehicle production, largely focusing instead on diesel technology. BMW's first MINI-based EVs are currently undergoing large-scale testing and Daimler recently teamed up with Tesla Motors in America to advance its EV presence.


Gallery: MINI E


[Source: Drive.com.au]

Germany setting sights on one million electric cars by 2020? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angela merkelAngelaMerkelfalsegermanygermany electric vehiclesgermany evGermanyElectricVehiclesGermanyEvminimini coopermini emini evMiniCooperMiniEMiniEvWed, 19 Aug 2009 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[More details on all-electric Trabant nT due for Frankfurt]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/more-details-on-all-electric-trabant-nt-due-for-frankfurt/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/more-details-on-all-electric-trabant-nt-due-for-frankfurt/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/more-details-on-all-electric-trabant-nt-due-for-frankfurt/#commentsFiled under: ,


2007 New Trabant Project - Click on image for complete gallery

Some more details on the electric Trabant that's coming to Frankfurt next month. We've heard about a possible rebirth of Trabant cars for year now but, for those too young to remember them, Trabants were the signature vehicle of East Germany before the Berlin Wall was knocked down. The good news is that the new version of the Trabi, as it was called, will be named the Trabant nT (new Trabi) and has a range of about 250 kilometers (156 miles) from its lithium-ion battery. No other specs have been announced so far, except that the van versions would sport "exceptional" payload. The car will also spot photoelectric cells to power the A/C system. So far, the project is backed up by IndiKar and electrics are supplied by IAV GmbH. The model was designed by Poschwatta Nils, who quit his job at VW to pursue the new Trabi project. The only drawback? A lack of financing. While we wait to see if the Trabant nT goes anywhere, we can at least remember the 2007 project images.

Gallery: The new Trabant



[Source: Auto News]

More details on all-electric Trabant nT due for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric trabantElectricTrabantnew trabiNewTrabitrabantTrabant nTTrabantNttrabiWed, 19 Aug 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Electric Trabant revival slated to debut at Frankfurt]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/electric-trabant-revival-slated-to-debut-at-frankfurt/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/electric-trabant-revival-slated-to-debut-at-frankfurt/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/electric-trabant-revival-slated-to-debut-at-frankfurt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Herpa New Trabant renderings - Click above for high-res image gallery

Anyone who spent any time in East Germany will be very familiar with the original Trabant, a diminutive automobile that was built and sold in the communist bloc. While the Trabant wasn't a particularly good car, it enjoys something of a cult following and is apparently ripe for a remake.

Unlike the old Trabant's smoky and extremely dirty two-stroke engine, the proposed New Trabant from Herpa Miniaturmodelle GmbH will feature clean electric power. Interestingly, Herpa is a German company that specializes in model cars and the whole idea sprang forth from a tiny little toy that brought the would-be automaker a ton of attention.

A rooftop solar panel should add a bit of power to the battery, which is reported to push the New Trabant up to a range of 250 kilometers (about 156 miles). A concept will be shown at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show and Herpa hopes to have the electric vehicle into production by 2012 if adequate investment can be procured.



[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Electric Trabant revival slated to debut at Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric trabantElectricTrabantfrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowherpaherpa trabantHerpaTrabantnew trabantNewTrabanttrabantFri, 14 Aug 2009 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry SAM electric locusts set to swarm out of factory]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/angry-sam-electric-locusts-set-to-swarm-out-of-factory/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/angry-sam-electric-locusts-set-to-swarm-out-of-factory/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/angry-sam-electric-locusts-set-to-swarm-out-of-factory/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



If you would like your electric car to have a look reminiscent of a large angry locust, live in Europe and don't have a need to exceed 90 Km/h (55 mph), you're in luck! Though a year later than had been originally projected, copies of the re-engineered SAM should begin rolling out of a Polish factory sometime later this month. The delay may have been a blessing in disguise since, not only are the economies of the world starting to show improvement, but the extra time has allowed for a longer testing period that worked out a few bugs. We expect buyers will grateful, for example, that the recycled plastic body will be watertight.

In their latest missive to the SAM faithful, the company informs that when the vehicle is officially launched it should have a price tag of only CHF 15,500 ($14,490 U.S.). Unfortunately, like so many of the toys we used to find under the Christmas tree, the batteries aren't included in this price. Energy storage capable of carrying you for 60 miles will cost consumers an additional 250 Swiss Francs ($233) a month for 3 years including warranty. Sales will be conducted from their website as well as through retail locations set up in Switzerland, Germany, and if Google translate isn't lying to us, Poland. Will it ever make it to America? It's not beyond the realm of possibility since the engineering company behind the drivetrain has said it wants to begin some sort of electric vehicle project here. We'll keep an ear out for a strange buzzing sound.

[Source: S.A.M. Group AG]

Angry SAM electric locusts set to swarm out of factory originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry locustAngryLocustGermanypolandrecycled plasticRecycledPlasticS.A.M. Group AGS.a.m.GroupAgSAMSAM CREESamCreeSwitzerlandThu, 13 Aug 2009 17:59:00 EST