AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Monster Tajima's electric Pikes Peak attack vehicle revealed [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/monster-tajimas-electric-pikes-peak-attack-vehicle-revealed-w/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/monster-tajimas-electric-pikes-peak-attack-vehicle-revealed-w/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/monster-tajimas-electric-pikes-peak-attack-vehicle-revealed-w/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Monster Sport E-RUNNER Pikes Peak Specialnobuhiro monster tajimapikes peakpikes peak 2012Pikes Peak International Hill Climbrace to the cloudstajimateam apevMon, 21 May 2012 18:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242014/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242014/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/21/monster-tajimas-electric-pikes-peak-attack-vehicle-revealed-w/20242014/article-detail.xml 20242014 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/tajima-pikes-peak-electric-racer-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/tajima-pikes-peak-electric-racer-628.jpg <![CDATA[Honda finds a way to make the Segway look elegant [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/honda-finds-a-way-to-make-the-segway-look-elegant/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/honda-finds-a-way-to-make-the-segway-look-elegant/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/honda-finds-a-way-to-make-the-segway-look-elegant/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Honda Uni-Cub Personal Mobility Device

Honda is jumping into the personal-mobility vehicle market associated with the Segway, and the Japanese automaker even has a cute name for the device.

Honda will start demonstration tests for its UNI-CUB vehicle in June of 2012 with Japan's National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.

Honda, which has been working on a plan for personal mobility devices since 2009, says the vehicle will offer firm balance and all-directional capabilities, similar to the Segway, though the person will be sitting lower on the device, allowing for "eye-level" stature, the company said.

No specifics as far as sales and price have been disclosed, but Honda says the UNI-CUB sits about 29 inches tall, has a maximum speed of about three and a half miles per hour and a single-charge range of about three and a half miles. Read all about it in the press release below, along with a video of the machine in action.

Continue reading Honda finds a way to make the Segway look elegant [w/video]

Honda finds a way to make the Segway look elegant [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclehondajapanpersonal mobilitysegwayuni-cubTue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238406/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238406/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/honda-finds-a-way-to-make-the-segway-look-elegant/20238406/article-detail.xml 20238406 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/honda-uni-cub-001-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/honda-uni-cub-001-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda skewers EV technology with overseas CX-5 launch]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/mazda-skewers-ev-technology-with-overseas-cx-5-launch/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/mazda-skewers-ev-technology-with-overseas-cx-5-launch/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/mazda-skewers-ev-technology-with-overseas-cx-5-launch/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Mazda recently may have made the coolest car commercial in history by backing its pitch for SkyActiv technology with Bo Diddley's "Road Runner" (see here), so we're leaning toward forgiving them for this one.

The Japanese automaker, as part of the international marketing launch of its CX-5 crossover in Scotland, reinforced its caustic stance on battery-electric vehicles by injecting some humorous references to the "range anxiety" that EVs can cause, according to The Charging Point blog.

Mazda planted fake roadside signs saying things like "Abandoned EVs ahead" and "EV drivers hitchhiking," according to the blog. Mazda has pitched the CX-5 as having the best fuel economy among SUVs in North America.

Mazda continues to poke fun at EVs even as it prepares to launch its own Demio (Mazda2) EV later this year. The company, at last month's New York Auto Show, hung a banner that described SkyActiv as "Not Electric. No Hybrid. Not a Drag to Drive."

The automaker last year said it was looking to boost fleetwide fuel economy by about 30 percent over the next three years largely through its SkyActiv program, which includes models such as the CX-5 and which uses better engine, transmission, aerodynamics and lightweight technology to cut fuel use in its internal combustion engines. Mazda, which starting selling the CX-5 in the U.S. in March, has set a goal to sell as many as 160,000 SkyActiv vehicles a year.

Mazda skewers EV technology with overseas CX-5 launch originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 15 May 2012 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mazda cx-5cx-5electric vehicleEVsmazdampgscotlandskyactivTue, 15 May 2012 11:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238081/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238081/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/mazda-skewers-ev-technology-with-overseas-cx-5-launch/20238081/article-detail.xml 20238081 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mazdacx5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mazdacx5.jpg <![CDATA[Honda will recycle rare earth metals from old hybrid batteries]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/honda-to-reuse-rare-earths-from-recycling-effort/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/honda-to-reuse-rare-earths-from-recycling-effort/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/honda-to-reuse-rare-earths-from-recycling-effort/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Honda rare earth recycle program flow chart

The supply of rare earth metals used in the manufacture of nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries and permanent magnet motors that are found in most hybrids has been somewhat uncertain the past few years, what with China's lock on the supply and its recent policy of limiting exports. While there are a number of possible solutions and workarounds, Honda is tackling the problem using an approach we can heartily endorse: recycling.

With its partner Japan Metals & Chemicals, the automaker is about to begin a program that would see the battery packs from its hybrids collected by its dealers around the globe and returned to have the rare earth recovered from the used packs. The company had previously been using a heat process to get nickel back from the batteries, but a new process can help them return about 80 percent of rare earth metals as well. The recycled materials will then be used to make more batteries, along with other parts.

Honda plans to broaden the program to include the recycling of other rare-earth containing parts in the future. Make your way past the break for the official press release.

Continue reading Honda will recycle rare earth metals from old hybrid batteries

Honda will recycle rare earth metals from old hybrid batteries originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery recyclinghondahonda recyclehybrid batteriesnickel metal hydridenickelbacknimhrare earthrare earth metalsrare earth recyclingWed, 18 Apr 2012 19:39:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20217990/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20217990/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/18/honda-to-reuse-rare-earths-from-recycling-effort/20217990/article-detail.xml 20217990 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/honda-rare-earth-recycle-flow-chart-1334704134_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/honda-rare-earth-recycle-flow-chart-1334704134.jpg <![CDATA[Diesel-powered Mazda CX-5s beating gas versions 3-1 in Japan]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/diesel-powered-mazda-cx-5s-beating-gas-versions-3-1-in-japan/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/diesel-powered-mazda-cx-5s-beating-gas-versions-3-1-in-japan/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/diesel-powered-mazda-cx-5s-beating-gas-versions-3-1-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Most people who follow the auto industry know that diesels are popular in Europe - and more and more so in the U.S. - but it appears Mazda underestimated how many people in Japan want an oil burner. According to the Nikkei, Mazda expected to sell just 1,000 CX-5s a month in Japan, but it instead sold 8,000 in February, the first month the CUV was on sale there. Oh, and 73 percent of them were diesel-powered.

Even though Japan has strict emissions controls, the "not electric, not hybrid, not a drag to drive" Skyactiv-D technology is giving clean diesels a good name in hybrid-happy Japan. It's been a long road, with a multi-year break when no domestic automaker sold a diesel passenger vehicle in Japan, a drought that ended in 2008 when Nissan introduced the X-Trail 20GT SUV. The question is, where do diesel sales in Japan go from here?

Read our First Drive report of the U.S. version of the CX-5 here.

Diesel-powered Mazda CX-5s beating gas versions 3-1 in Japan originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cx-5cx-5 dieseldieseldiesel japandiesel salesjapanmazdamazda cx-5mazda dieselWed, 11 Apr 2012 16:08:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20213545/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20213545/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/11/diesel-powered-mazda-cx-5s-beating-gas-versions-3-1-in-japan/20213545/article-detail.xml 20213545 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/03-2013-mazda-cx-5-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/03-2013-mazda-cx-5-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Honda bringing four new hybrids to China, including Acura NSX]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/honda-bringing-four-new-hybrids-to-china-including-acura-nsx/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/honda-bringing-four-new-hybrids-to-china-including-acura-nsx/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/honda-bringing-four-new-hybrids-to-china-including-acura-nsx/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Earlier this year, Honda unveiled a concept version of its Acura NSX at the Detroit Auto Show. Now, the Japanese automaker appears to be taking a speedy approach to hybrid sales in China similar to that mid-engined sports car.

Honda is planning to launch at least four hybrids in China under both its namesake and Acura brands in an effort to double sales there during the next three years. Honda will debut three hybrids - the CR-Z, Insight and Fit Hybrid - this year. The company is also planning to sell its Acura NSX, which will have a hybrid powertrain in its next incarnation, in China. Additionally, Honda is working on mid-size and larger hybrids as well as a plug-in hybrid vehicle for China.

In all, Honda will launch 10 models that will either be new or fully revamped for China by 2015. The company will also produce the cars and their batteries in China in an effort to cut costs.

Honda, which debuted the first version of its Insight hybrid in Japan in 1999, said in January that it had cumulatively sold more than 800,000 hybrids worldwide by the end of last year. By comparison, Toyota's Prius hybrid surpassed the three-million-vehicle mark last March.

Last year, China accounted for more than 646,000 Honda vehicle sales, 22 percent of the company's worldwide total, up from about 19 percent a year earlier. China's December 2011 sales were a record high for that month.

Continue reading Honda bringing four new hybrids to China, including Acura NSX

Honda bringing four new hybrids to China, including Acura NSX originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura hybridchinachina hybridcr-zcr-z hybridfitfit hybridhondahonda hybridhybridinsightinsight hybridnsxnsx hybridTue, 10 Apr 2012 19:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20212517/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20212517/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/10/honda-bringing-four-new-hybrids-to-china-including-acura-nsx/20212517/article-detail.xml 20212517 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/acuransx_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/acuransx.jpg <![CDATA[Honda opens solar hydrogen station in Japan's Saitama Prefecture]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/08/honda-opens-solar-hydrogen-station-in-japans-saitama-prefecture/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/08/honda-opens-solar-hydrogen-station-in-japans-saitama-prefecture/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/08/honda-opens-solar-hydrogen-station-in-japans-saitama-prefecture/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

honda fcx clarity

For those of you who struggled with high school chemistry, this one's a doozy.

Honda has opened up a hydrogen station in Saitama, Japan that converts sunlight into hydrogen that may be used to power fuel-cell electric vehicles such as the Honda FCX Clarity.

The station, which uses both juice from the grid and solar power, can produce 1.5 kilograms of hydrogen in 24 hours. That's enough to power an FCX Clarity for about 90 miles. In addition, Honda also added an electrical outlet to the FCX Clarity so that the car can function as a power source.

For those keeping notes, the station turns sunlight into hydrogen by way of a high-pressure water electrolysis system that was developed by the Japanese automaker. The installation is the latest step in a green-transportation partnership that Honda started with the prefecture in 2009. Saitama is about 20 miles northwest of Tokyo.

Honda became the first automaker to make a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle available to the public when it started selling the FCX Clarity in Japan in late 2007. The vehicle is also in operation in California, and you can go here to read Autoblog's First Drive review.

Continue reading Honda opens solar hydrogen station in Japan's Saitama Prefecture

Honda opens solar hydrogen station in Japan's Saitama Prefecture originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fcevfcx clarityhondahydrogenhydrogen fuel cellsaitamasolarsolar hydrogensolar hydrogen stationSun, 08 Apr 2012 08:33:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20209830/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20209830/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/08/honda-opens-solar-hydrogen-station-in-japans-saitama-prefecture/20209830/article-detail.xml 20209830 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/hondafcxclarity_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/hondafcxclarity.jpg <![CDATA[New SIM-WIL electric prototype has 218 mile range, in-wheel motors [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/new-sim-wil-electric-prototype-has-218-mile-range-in-wheel-moto/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/new-sim-wil-electric-prototype-has-218-mile-range-in-wheel-moto/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/new-sim-wil-electric-prototype-has-218-mile-range-in-wheel-moto/#commentsFiled under: , ,

SIM-DRIVE's SIM-LEI in-wheel motor electric car in motion

With plans to bring an electric vehicle to market by 2014, Sim-Drive is closing in on a final design for its aerodynamic, in-wheel-motored passenger car. Looking a little less Star Wars-inspired than the previous SIM-LEI prototype, the new SIM-WIL has now been revealed and is said to have a range of 218 miles on the JC-08 cycle. For comparison, the EPA 73-mile-rated Nissan Leaf gets about 124 miles on that Japanese cycle.

Although it is less efficient than its predecessor - 66 Wh/km versus 99.7 Wh/km - the SIM-WIL can cover a bit more distance, thanks to a larger 35.1-kWh battery and a 154.3-lb weight reduction. Its exterior dimensions have also significantly changed, with the design team chopping over 21 inches from the length and adding 4.5 inches to the width. The result is the ability to carry five passengers in relative comfort.

Another performance trade-off has been made in its accelerative abilities. The first-gen prototype could manage a blast to 60 mph in an impressive 4.8 seconds. That metric now stands at a still-quite-respectable 5.4 seconds, but it does it more smoothly with huge reduction in a vibration known as "torque ripple."

With the help of 26 partners, SIM-DRIVE hopes to build yet a third vehicle in the coming year with vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-house capability. In the meantime, hit the jump to check out its first two cars, along with a low-floor bus its developed, that are being demonstrated to its various partners in the venture.

Continue reading New SIM-WIL electric prototype has 218 mile range, in-wheel motors [w/video]

New SIM-WIL electric prototype has 218 mile range, in-wheel motors [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclein-wheel motorjapansim-drivesim-leisim-lei evsim-wilsim-wil evWed, 04 Apr 2012 11:48:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20207200/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20207200/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/04/new-sim-wil-electric-prototype-has-218-mile-range-in-wheel-moto/20207200/article-detail.xml 20207200 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/sim-drive-sim-wil-capture-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/sim-drive-sim-wil-capture-628.jpg <![CDATA[Reputation of electric cars takes a hit in Japan due to tsunami aftermath?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/reputation-of-electric-cars-takes-a-hit-in-japan-due-to-tsunami/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/reputation-of-electric-cars-takes-a-hit-in-japan-due-to-tsunami/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/reputation-of-electric-cars-takes-a-hit-in-japan-due-to-tsunami/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Nissan Leaf undergoing IIHS crash test

Electric vehicle owners like to think of themselves as green, but that color may be taking on a more glowing, radioactive hue in Japan.

The ecologically friendly reputation of electric cars in Japan is taking a hit since last year's meltdowns of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant have made more people concerned about a primary source of electricity throughout the country, Bloomberg Businessweek reports.

The meltdown - caused my last March's earthquake and ensuing tsunami - created a 12-mile radius around Fukushima where people are barred because of radiation issues. Before last year's disaster, the Japanese government planned on having nuclear power eventually supply half of the country's electricity, up from a third, but those plans have been put on hold.

Nissan, which has said it expects to sell 1.5 million electric vehicles around the world by 2015, has sold just 12,000 battery-electric Leafs in Japan since launching the model in 2010, according to the report. There have been positive associations drawn between the EV and its role in the earthquake relief efforts (between the Mitsubishi i and the aftermath, too) and Nissan even touted the way some battery packs that were damaged in the quake survived intact.

Rising gas prices make charging an EV in Japan about 90 percent less expensive than filling a tank. That said, electricity prices may spike expenses stemming from fixing the Fukushima plant increase. The higher cost might be the way EVs could get lumped together with nuclear energy in some consumers' minds.

Reputation of electric cars takes a hit in Japan due to tsunami aftermath? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earthquakeelectric vehicleevfukushimagreenjapanjapan quakejapan tsunamileafnissannuclearnuclear powerphevtsunamiTue, 03 Apr 2012 18:05:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20205292/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20205292/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/03/reputation-of-electric-cars-takes-a-hit-in-japan-due-to-tsunami/20205292/article-detail.xml 20205292 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/nissan-leaf-crash-test-iihs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/nissan-leaf-crash-test-iihs.jpg <![CDATA[Will electric bid shock Saab back to life?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/will-electric-bid-shock-saab-back-to-life/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/will-electric-bid-shock-saab-back-to-life/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/will-electric-bid-shock-saab-back-to-life/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The future of Saab could be electric! If it has a future, that is. The Swedish firm famously filed for bankruptcy last December and since then, the saga to save the company has turned into a struggle to revive it. One of the biggest obstacles, it seems, is General Motor's unwillingness to allow the technology it licensed to Trollhatten to be transferred to new owners. At least, new owners from China. Yes, it's a real sob (sorry about that) story.

Anywho... one of the current batch of bidders, an unnamed Chinese/Japanese consortium with "serious" money, is reported to have a made an aggressive offer that would see the company primarily producing electric vehicles. It's bid also includes plans for a new battery plant.

The concept of electric Saabs isn't entirely new. The company had been building a 70-strong test fleet of 9-3s - using UQM motors and Boston Power batteries - as recently as 10 months ago. Whether this bid will shock Saab back to life will remain unclear for the time being. All offers will be undergoing evaluation until at least the end of April.

Will electric bid shock Saab back to life? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric saabelectric vehiclenew saabsaabsaab bankruptcysaab bidsaab evsaab storytrollhattenTue, 27 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20202170/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20202170/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/27/will-electric-bid-shock-saab-back-to-life/20202170/article-detail.xml 20202170 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/saab-epower-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/saab-epower-628.jpg <![CDATA[MiEV Power BOX turns your electric Mitsubishi into a mini power station]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/miev-power-box-turns-your-electric-mitsubishi-into-a-mini-power/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/miev-power-box-turns-your-electric-mitsubishi-into-a-mini-power/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/miev-power-box-turns-your-electric-mitsubishi-into-a-mini-power/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mitsubishi iMiEV with Power BOX plugged in

As anyone who's suffered through an extended blackout can tell you, electric power can be a precious commodity. With the advent of electric cars comes the ability to borrow back some of the energy stored in traction batteries to help deal with emergencies or other situations.

Mitsubishi's MiEV power BOX - soon become available as a dealer option - does just that, at least for Japanese customers. The 1500-watt AC power supply offers a single 15 amp outlet that will allow a fully charged i-MiEV or MINICAB-MiEV to dish out electrons constantly for somewhere between five and six hours. According to the company, that's about the same amount of electricity as an average Japanese household might consume in a day.

The suggested price for the the MiEV power BOX reminds us that peace of mind is not necessarily inexpensive. Available as of the 27th of April, the "power feeder" will set buyers back ¥149,800 ($1,801.57 U.S. at today's exchange rates). Yeah, ouch.

Continue reading MiEV Power BOX turns your electric Mitsubishi into a mini power station

MiEV Power BOX turns your electric Mitsubishi into a mini power station originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleimiev power boxmitsubishimitsubishi imitsubishi i mievmitsubishi minicab mievmitsubishi motorspowerpower supplyMon, 19 Mar 2012 17:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20195990/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20195990/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/19/miev-power-box-turns-your-electric-mitsubishi-into-a-mini-power/20195990/article-detail.xml 20195990 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/mitsubishi-i-miev-and-power-box-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/mitsubishi-i-miev-and-power-box-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota increasing Prius C production to meet high demand at home and abroad]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/toyota-increasing-prius-c-production-to-meet-high-demand/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/toyota-increasing-prius-c-production-to-meet-high-demand/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/toyota-increasing-prius-c-production-to-meet-high-demand/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



When we last asked Toyota representatives about the production capacity of the 2012 Prius C, we were told the company's Iwate, Japan plant could make up to 30,000 units each month. That sounds like a lot, but Toyota is currently sending just 20 percent - 6,000 a month - to the United States.

Back in December, when the car went on sale in Japan, the company received 120,000 orders in the first five days it was on sale. As we noted last week, Toyota also sold 1,200 Prius C units in the first three days it was on sale in the States. The baby Prius may not be as popular here as it is at home, but 6,000 a month sure doesn't seem like it's enough.

The C is made at just one plant, one run by Toyota's Kanto Auto Works Ltd. affiliate in northern Japan. A strong yen and all those Japanese orders means that the C models that do get made are mostly delivered to the home country instead of exported. Toyota originally planned to produce just 20,000 Cs a month, and is now looking to go over even the 30,000 level. By increasing efficiencies at the plant and moving production of non-Prius C models (specifically, the not-available-in-the-U.S. Toyota Ractis) from Iwate to other plants, the unspecified increase should be in place by the middle of this year. Thus far, there is no official talk about making the C at other plants.

Toyota increasing Prius C production to meet high demand at home and abroad originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 toyota prius chybridiwatekanto auto workspriusprius cprius c productionprius productiontoyotatoyota prius cMon, 19 Mar 2012 12:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20196165/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20196165/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/19/toyota-increasing-prius-c-production-to-meet-high-demand/20196165/article-detail.xml 20196165 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/13-2012-toyota-prius-c-fd-opt-opt1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/13-2012-toyota-prius-c-fd-opt-opt1.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota gets slammed in Japan with Aqua/Prius C pre-orders]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/toyota-gets-slammed-in-japan-with-aqua-prius-c-pre-orders/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/toyota-gets-slammed-in-japan-with-aqua-prius-c-pre-orders/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/toyota-gets-slammed-in-japan-with-aqua-prius-c-pre-orders/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Perhaps the the "c" in the Prius C stands for ka-ching. According to reports, Toyota in Japan received 10 times its monthly sales target in pre-orders for the compact version of its Prius hybrid within the first five days of the model's debut, leading to what's likely to be a shortage and long wait times for the car.

HybridCars.com, citing the Japanese publication Nikkei, says the Japanese automaker received about 120,000 orders for the Aqua between December 26 and 31, adding that Toyota had targeted sales of about 12,000 units a month. Toyota had already received about 60,000 orders prior to the launch of the model, which will be called the Prius C when it debuts in the U.S. later this year, and had estimated a four-month wait time between order and delivery. Toyota's current production capacity is limited to 30,000 Prius C units a month.

The glut of pre-orders is likely to create yet another supply shortage situation for Toyota, whose production of the Prius and other models was hampered by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan last March. This led, in part, to Toyota's U.S. Prius sales falling 3.2 percent last year, though last month's sales were up 8.7 percent from a year earlier.

The Prius C, whose fuel economy is estimated at about 50 miles per gallon, is scheduled to start sales in the U.S. in March and will be priced at just under $19,000. Toyota also started recently started selling the Prius V wagon - which is also incredibly popular so far - and will debut a plug-in hybrid version of the Prius this year.

Toyota gets slammed in Japan with Aqua/Prius C pre-orders originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aquajapanpreorderspriusprius cprius salestoyotatoyota aquatoyota prius cFri, 03 Feb 2012 16:04:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20164023/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20164023/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/toyota-gets-slammed-in-japan-with-aqua-prius-c-pre-orders/20164023/article-detail.xml 20164023 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/priusc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/priusc.jpg <![CDATA[Watch a brace of Nissan Leaf EVs frolic in the snow]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/watch-a-brace-of-nissan-leaf-evs-frolic-in-the-snow/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/watch-a-brace-of-nissan-leaf-evs-frolic-in-the-snow/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/watch-a-brace-of-nissan-leaf-evs-frolic-in-the-snow/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nissan Leaf spins its front wheels on a snowy track

While there were concerns that the Nissan Leaf might not be a very good vehicle for colder climates, the automaker is ready to demonstrate otherwise. It recently invited a few dozen journalists to have a go in the snow with its signature all-electric on a test course in Shibetsu, Hokkaido in the north of Japan. Informative video ensued.

With a backdrop of a brace of Leafs frolicking about in the white stuff, interviews were conducted with both engineers and journalists and, from them, we learn some interesting tidbits. For instance, the Leaf battery pack can maintain an operating temperature nicely above freezing despite a chilly -9 C (15.8 F) reading outside. Also, Nissan is working on a new, more efficient, heating system for the passenger cabin, which is good since trying to keep the occupants warm has, perhaps, the biggest impact on decreasing winter driving range.

The cavorting journalists seemed impressed and even surprised with the Leaf's driving dynamics in the slippery conditions. With a low center of gravity, even weight distribution and traction control, the car displayed a comfortable amount of well-mannered poise. Of course, we wouldn't dream of pointing out the pylon that gets punched at precisely 18 seconds into the first video, since that speaks as much to the driver's ability as it does to the vehicle's handling.

Anyhoo, without further ado, hit the jump for a very snowy EV encounter. Besides the main video, which gives an overall rundown of the event, we've also included four more clips featuring further footage of the interviews with company officials and participants. Enjoy.

Continue reading Watch a brace of Nissan Leaf EVs frolic in the snow

Watch a brace of Nissan Leaf EVs frolic in the snow originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicle performancehokkaidoleafnissannissan leafnissan leaf evwinter drivingSun, 29 Jan 2012 17:14:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20157949/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20157949/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/29/watch-a-brace-of-nissan-leaf-evs-frolic-in-the-snow/20157949/article-detail.xml 20157949 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nissan-leaf-in-snow-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nissan-leaf-in-snow-628.jpg <![CDATA[Umm, what? Camp-Inn Japan concocts Prius Relax Cabin camper conversion]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/umm-what-camp-inn-japan-concocts-prius-relax-cabin-camper-conv/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/umm-what-camp-inn-japan-concocts-prius-relax-cabin-camper-conv/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/umm-what-camp-inn-japan-concocts-prius-relax-cabin-camper-conv/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota Prius camper conversion from Camp-Inn Japan

Attendees of the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon might have been forgiven for thinking that a certain Toyota Prius on display was under attack from a giant marshmallow from outer space. In fact, the only assault taking place was one on their visual senses, as that large mallow-looking mass integrated into the top and hindquarters of the hybrid was actually purposely added to create a new camping vehicle from Camp-Inn Japan.

The Relax Cabin (code-named "Space Shuttle" for, perhaps, obvious reasons) was created by adding a fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) module to a 2012 Toyota Prius. The reconfigured vehicle keeps the mechanicals intact and stretches the bodywork out to 4980mm (16.34 feet) from stem to stern. The enlarged interior comes equipped with sleeping mats as well as a small removable table.

The configuration sleeps four - five, if they are previously well-acquainted - and will reportedly sell for ¥4,000,000 ($52,016 U.S. at today's rates). Besides offering shelter for those occasional wilderness excursions, the Relax Cabin should also make finding your vehicle in the shopping mall parking lot a whole lot easier.

Umm, what? Camp-Inn Japan concocts Prius Relax Cabin camper conversion originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 tokyo auto saloncamp-inn japancamper converesioncampinncampinn japanmarshmallow attackpriusrelax cabintoyotatoyota priusTue, 17 Jan 2012 09:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20149711/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20149711/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/17/umm-what-camp-inn-japan-concocts-prius-relax-cabin-camper-conv/20149711/article-detail.xml 20149711 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/toyota-prius-campinn-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/toyota-prius-campinn-628.jpg <![CDATA[The Sim-Lei is an EV approved for use on the Death Star]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/sim-lei-ev-electric-vehicle/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/sim-lei-ev-electric-vehicle/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/sim-lei-ev-electric-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Looking for all the world like an elongated Mitsubishi i MiEV that a Stormtrooper would drive, the SIM-LEI recently made an appearance at the 2011 Electric Vehicle Industrial Exhibition in Tokyo. It's been a while since we first caught wind of the SIM-LEI and we've been curious to get a better look at this super-efficient prototype ever since. And now we have.

Developed by Hiroshi Shimizu - the man behind the amazing eight-wheeled Eliica vehicles - the SIM-LEI produces a combination of numbers that puts other all-electrics to shame. Numbers like 0-to-60 in 4.8 seconds and 77 Wh/km (123.9 watt-hours per mile). More numbers? How about 305 km (189.5 miles) at 100 km/h (62 mph) with a 24.5 kWh battery. Eat your heart out Nissan Leaf.

If SIM-Drive, Shimizu-san's company, sees its vision realized there is another number we'd like to see associated with the retail version of this vehicle; $24,900. That's the price they calculate they could sell it for in volumes of 100,000 units. Perhaps that's a long shot, but hey, you've got to have goals.

But enough of numbers. Hit the jump for excellent video that explores the SIM-LEI inside and out (check out that 19-inch display!) and let us know where you stand on efficiency and performance versus Clone armor.

Continue reading The Sim-Lei is an EV approved for use on the Death Star

The Sim-Lei is an EV approved for use on the Death Star originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleHiroshi Shimizuin-wheel motorsim-drivesim-leiFri, 30 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20136996/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20136996/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/30/sim-lei-ev-electric-vehicle/20136996/article-detail.xml 20136996 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/sim-lei-screen-grab-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/sim-lei-screen-grab-628.jpg <![CDATA[Sign of the times: Gas stations in Japan get into EV charging game]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/sign-of-the-times-gas-stations-in-japan-get-into-ev-charging-ga/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/sign-of-the-times-gas-stations-in-japan-get-into-ev-charging-ga/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/sign-of-the-times-gas-stations-in-japan-get-into-ev-charging-ga/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's an idea with global reach: turn gas stations into electric vehicle charging points. Whether you're talking about the U.S. or the UK, putting plugs near pumps seems to make sense. And that's just what's going to happen in Japan, too. Not a surprise, really, especially since most DC fast chargers will be coming to Asia in the next few years.

The latest announcement of the growing transition comes from a group of four companies in Japan - Cosmo Oil , Idemitsu Kosan, JX Nippon Oil and Showa Shell Sekiyu KK - that will install EV charging station at 27 of their various gas stations in the first three months of 2012. What's even more interesting is that these chargers will not be "pay by the charge" units, but instead cost drivers a flat monthly fee of 3,000 yen ($38.62 U.S. at today's exchange rates) for unlimited fill ups. Anyone who joins the "EV Service Station Network" can plug-in at any participating station throughout Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefectures.

Sign of the times: Gas stations in Japan get into EV charging game originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cosmo oilelectric vehicleev chargingev service station networkflat-rate chargingidemitsu kosanjx nippon oilplug-in hybridshowa shellWed, 28 Dec 2011 09:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20135742/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20135742/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/28/sign-of-the-times-gas-stations-in-japan-get-into-ev-charging-ga/20135742/article-detail.xml 20135742 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/evoasis-charging-station-place_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/evoasis-charging-station-place.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki e-Let's electric scooter coming to Japan, Panasonic supplies drivetrain]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/suzuki-e-lets-electric-scooter-coming-to-japan-panasonic-suppl/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/suzuki-e-lets-electric-scooter-coming-to-japan-panasonic-suppl/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/suzuki-e-lets-electric-scooter-coming-to-japan-panasonic-suppl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Suzuki e-Let's electric scooter
Suzuki has been testing its e-Let's electric scooter around its hometown of Hamamatsu for the past year and is now ready to send it out into the real world. Or, at least, the Japanese portion of the real world. While it doesn't have the kind of range that would prompt you to pen a letter home - 30kms (18.6 miles) at 30 km/h (18.6 miles per hour) - it does feature some pretty nice packaging and looks like a practical machine for commuting and errand running.

It's interesting to note is that Suzuki's first electric two-wheeler for consumers not only gets its Sanyo batteries supplied by Panasonic Group, but also its in-wheel motor, controller and charger that the two companies collaborated in developing. The battery has a built in management system, is stored under the seat and easily removable. The charger has the same form as the battery and can be brought along as well.

When the Suzuki e-Let's goes on sale on the 9th of January, the price tag will read ¥312,900 ($4,029 at today's rates) though if you want to get an extra battery, the "W" package will cost ¥396,900 ($5,110). Hit the jump for video of the e-Let's in action as well as press releases from both Panasonic and Suzuki.

Continue reading Suzuki e-Let's electric scooter coming to Japan, Panasonic supplies drivetrain

Suzuki e-Let's electric scooter coming to Japan, Panasonic supplies drivetrain originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-letselectric scooterin-wheel motorpanasonicsanyosuzukisuzuki e-letsMon, 12 Dec 2011 14:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20124971/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20124971/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/12/suzuki-e-lets-electric-scooter-coming-to-japan-panasonic-suppl/20124971/article-detail.xml 20124971 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/suzuki-e-lets-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/suzuki-e-lets-628.jpg <![CDATA["Fun to drive" Prius G's coming with help from Toyota GAZOO racing team]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/09/prius-gs-toyota-gazoo-racing/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/09/prius-gs-toyota-gazoo-racing/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/09/prius-gs-toyota-gazoo-racing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota Prius G's

There's an entire pantheon of modified versions of the Toyota Prius. From adding extra batteries to make the world's most famous hybrid a plug-in to putting on solar panels to really tweaking the aero, there's no end to what's possible, it seems. Heck, the latest came just the other day when we saw the Toyota Prius GT300 that's bound for the SuperGT.

The latest mod comes courtesy of Toyota itself (which is, after all, putting out a whole family of Prius models) and is destined for the Japanese market. Called the Prius G's, this adaptation of an S-trim, third-generation Prius has a fresh look and a revamped suspension that is supposed to make it fun to drive. J Car Blog says that the chassis has also been stiffened and the steering tweaked thanks to advice from Toyota's GAZOO Racing team drivers. The Prius G's comes with 18-inch lightweight aluminum wheels that are exclusive to this model and are wrapped with high-efficiency Dunlop tires. The powertrain apparently remains the same.

As the picture shows, the look has been spiced up, too, most dramatically the front fascia. The flow between the headlights and the gaping dark maw truly makes the front end look mean - and that's a good thing, here. A G's logo on the starter button, LED headlights and black suede seats are all included, as well. The cost for all this goodness? MSRP is 2.84 million yen ($36,600 U.S. at today's exchange rates). Worth it?

"Fun to drive" Prius G's coming with help from Toyota GAZOO racing team originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>priusprius gazooprius gsprius modtoyota gazoo racingtoyota priustuned priusFri, 09 Dec 2011 17:44:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20124937/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20124937/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/09/prius-gs-toyota-gazoo-racing/20124937/article-detail.xml 20124937 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/toyota-prius-gs-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/toyota-prius-gs-628.jpg <![CDATA[Future Nissan Leaf could be cheaper, may have more range, <i>will</i> have wireless charging option]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/04/future-nissan-leaf-could-be-cheaper-may-have-more-range-wil/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/04/future-nissan-leaf-could-be-cheaper-may-have-more-range-wil/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/04/future-nissan-leaf-could-be-cheaper-may-have-more-range-wil/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nissan Leaf charging with Nissan's wireless charging system

We always expected that eventually the price of the Nissan Leaf would decrease as the numbers produced increased, and now there's word that Leaf prices will, ahem, fall with the arrival of the 2014 model. According to rumors being spread by Auto Express, the world's best-selling passenger car EV is to be slightly revised and will not only be cheaper two years hence, it will offer more range. How much cheaper and how much more range however, is as speculative as the veracity of the hearsay. What's more certain though, is the news that it will have a wireless charging option.

Ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan was showing off some of their future tech at the Oppama plant where its Leaf is built. Amongst the EV-related items on hand were the company's Vehicle-to-House power sharing system - which will be available in Japan next summer for the low, low price of ¥500,000 ($6,444 at today's rates) - and its long-awaited wireless charger.

The electromagnetic induction unit is said to be 80 to 90 percent efficient and able to charge at rates between 3 and 6 kWs. Just park over top the flat sending unit and the charging process automatically begins, sending electricity to the receiving unit on the underside of the car. Charging status is shown on the accompanying pedestal's screen. It is said to be arriving sometime in 2013 and will only be available from the factory, so sorry, no retrofits for earlier buyers.

Although there will likely be a price premium for cutting the cord, we expect going wireless will be an attractive option to a lot of people as it makes EV ownership that much simpler. Outdoor installations would also have to worry less about vandalism. Hit the jump for video demonstrating the soon-to-be new way to charge your Leaf.

Continue reading Future Nissan Leaf could be cheaper, may have more range, will have wireless charging option

Future Nissan Leaf could be cheaper, may have more range, will have wireless charging option originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 04 Dec 2011 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electromagnetic inductioninduction chargingnissan leafwireless chargingSun, 04 Dec 2011 17:09:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20118035/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20118035/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/04/future-nissan-leaf-could-be-cheaper-may-have-more-range-wil/20118035/article-detail.xml 20118035 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/nissan-wireless-charging-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/nissan-wireless-charging-628.jpg -1 2