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[GreenTech Automotive makes EV deal with JAC; founder McAuliffe in political hot water]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/greentech-automotive-makes-ev-deal-with-jac-founder-mcauliffe-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/greentech-automotive-makes-ev-deal-with-jac-founder-mcauliffe-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/greentech-automotive-makes-ev-deal-with-jac-founder-mcauliffe-i/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


GreenTech Automotive may have lost its founder, but it has renewed an integral growth strategy - partnerships with Chinese automakers.

The Mississippi-based electric car company has made an agreement with Chinese automaker JAC (Jianghuai Automobile Co.) to bring 2,000 battery electric vehicles to the US market. The vehicles, based on JAC's Rejoice vehicle platform, will be assembled in Mississippi. After the first 2,000, GreenTech says it "plans to establish another assembly facility for the sedan." It's the third-generation version of JAC's EV featuring upgraded driver modules; improved battery capacity and range; and performance improvements for speed, climbing and stability. The battery power has improved in the third generation - it has increased from 15 to 19 kWh, which helped the driving range extend from 62 to 81 miles.

JAC brings a lot of automotive experience to the table - more than 40 years building vehicles such as light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, sedans, buses and more. The company now produces more than 700,000 vehicles a year and 500,000 engines, and is one the 10 largest Chinese automakers.

GreenTech unveiled its first offering, a $15,500 tiny NEV called the MyCar (pictured), in the US market last year. GreenTech founder Terry McAuliffe had bought the rights to MyCar by acquiring its original maker, EuAuto Technology, a Hong Kong-based company, for $20 million. It's being built now at GreenTech Automotive's Horn Lake, MS, factory. The two-seat, low speed MyCar can go about 115 miles on a charge.

The problem is that McAuliffe and his GreenTech partners (well, ex-partners, since he resigned last year) are being questioned on whether the plant was actually "a 'visa-for-sale scheme' for Chinese investors," as The New York Times put it. The story has some calling it "Coda Redux" and we expect we'll hear much more about it as long as McAuliffe (D) keeps running for governor of Virginia. His Republican opponent, Kenneth Cuccinelli II, the state attorney general, is using the GreenTech story to attack McAuliffe's business credentials and a strategist said the saga shows, "The central premise of Terry McAuliffe's candidacy has been undermined. Why would we not talk about it?"

Continue reading GreenTech Automotive makes EV deal with JAC; founder McAuliffe in political hot water

GreenTech Automotive makes EV deal with JAC; founder McAuliffe in political hot water originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinese automakerelectric vehiclesevsexportsgreentech automotiveimportsjacmcauliffemississippimycarvirginiaMon, 29 Apr 2013 12:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20546303/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20546303/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/greentech-automotive-makes-ev-deal-with-jac-founder-mcauliffe-i/20546303/article-detail.xml 20546303 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/greentech-mycar2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/greentech-mycar2.jpg <![CDATA[Terry McAuliffe leaves MyCar EV startup]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/terry-mcauliffe-leaves-mycar-ev-startup/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/terry-mcauliffe-leaves-mycar-ev-startup/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/terry-mcauliffe-leaves-mycar-ev-startup/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Being one of the founders of an electric car company can be a bittersweet experience, as top executives at Aptera, Tesla and Fisker have found out. We can now add another name to the list: Terry McAuliffe, founder of GreenTech Automotive, quietly stepped out of the picture late last year.

This happened sometime before Dec. 1, 2012, which is the date of a letter from GreenTech's CEO Charles Wang accepting McAuliffe's resignation as chairman. Wang's letter was recently forwarded to The Washington Post by a company official, but reasons for his departure were not revealed in the letter or by the anonymous source.

McAuliffe has his eyes on the gubernatorial job in Virginia, which will be decided by voters in November. The former chairman of the Democratic Party finished second in a three-way primary contest for governor in 2009. He invested $20 million in EuAuto Technology, a Hong Kong-based company making a tiny electric car called MyCar. McAuliffe, a businessman and entrepreneur, promoted GreenTech Automotive as an example of his skillset and commitment to Virginia's economy.

Last year, the company unveiled its two-seat low-speed MyCar that can go about 115 miles on a charge and will sell for about $15,500. It's being built in Horn Lake, MS, at a plant that could create up to 426 new jobs. Visits by former President Bill Clinton (D) and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R) drew some kudos, but there have been jabs thrown by an opponent asking if GreenTech will be bringing jobs to Virginia.

Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II, the Republican candidate for governor, has written an editorial against McAuliffe's EV work and told The Washington Post, "McAuliffe believes his business acumen qualifies him to be governor of the Commonwealth and this revelation [that he stepped down] completely invalidates the central premise of his candidacy."

McAuliffe's campaign spokesman Josh Schwerin did acknowledge by email that McAuliffe "verbally" announced his intention to resign from GreenTech before filing to run for governor. "Terry was about to start running for Governor and knows that it is a full time job doing so. This is the same reason Virginian Attorney Generals traditionally resign when running for Governor," Schwerin wrote.

Starting up an EV car company just ain't what it used to be.

Terry McAuliffe leaves MyCar EV startup originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clintonelectionelectric vehiclegovernorgreentech automotivemycarneighborhood evterry mcauliffevirginiaWed, 10 Apr 2013 14:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20534497/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20534497/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/10/terry-mcauliffe-leaves-mycar-ev-startup/20534497/article-detail.xml 20534497 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/greentech-mycar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/greentech-mycar.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan New Mobility Concept is "perfect even for mom" [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/nissan-new-mobility-concept-is-perfect-even-for-mom-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/nissan-new-mobility-concept-is-perfect-even-for-mom-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/nissan-new-mobility-concept-is-perfect-even-for-mom-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

nissan new mobility concept ev

Nissan is taking the careful approach as it brings out its second electric vehicle. To show off the car's practicality, Nissan gave seven moms in suburban Japan the chance to test drive the New Mobility Concept vehicle to see how it works transporting their kids, going shopping and running errands. The Tokyu Corp. has joined with Nissan and the city of Yokohama for the Yokohama Mobility Project Zero, which was designed to increase low-carbon transportation locally.

Nissan thinks that its Leaf and the upcoming two-seat mobility cousin are ideal for the narrow, crowded streets of suburban Japan. The New Mobility Concept is based on the Twizy electric vehicle previously launched by alliance partner automaker Renault.

After driving it a couple of laps, trial participant Yoko Sonobe fell in love with the New Mobility Concept. "We own a big, eight-seater car, and it always seems a little over the top to use it for such small things as going shopping. But if I had something this compact, it's much less of a hassle to drive the children around or to run small errands to the supermarket," Sonobe said in the Nissan video. Watch the video below to find out if the New Mobility Concept could be "perfect even for moms."

Nissan said the volunteers will use the new mobility concept vehicles at home for two weeks - taking four-hour, full charges from their home sockets. Akihiko Hoshi from the Ministry of Transport said it's important to teach people how to use the electric car safely. After a three-year trial period, the NMC could be ready for launch, according to the video.

Continue reading Nissan New Mobility Concept is "perfect even for mom" [w/video]

Nissan New Mobility Concept is "perfect even for mom" [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclejapanleafmomsnew mobilitynew mobility conceptnissansmall caryokohamaMon, 04 Mar 2013 11:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20485494/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20485494/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/04/nissan-new-mobility-concept-is-perfect-even-for-mom-w-video/20485494/article-detail.xml 20485494 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/nissan-new-mobility-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/nissan-new-mobility-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Wheego adds LiFe EV dealer in Florida]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/wheego-adds-life-ev-dealer-in-florida/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/wheego-adds-life-ev-dealer-in-florida/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/wheego-adds-life-ev-dealer-in-florida/#commentsFiled under: , ,

wheego life cars

The change that the Nimnicht Family of Dealerships in Jacksonville, FL is applying to a former Hummer showroom could not be a better sign of the times. The showroom will become the newest dealership for Wheego Electric Cars, offering the full-speed Wheego LiFe and the low-speed Wheego Whip. The new dealership, Wheego of Jacksonville, will display the Wheego vehicles at the Jacksonville International Car & Truck Show on February 8-10, 2013.

Wheego National Sales Manager Ken Wambold said in a statement that converting the Hummer showroom is an "evolution to a green, eco-friendly product and a new technology will serve the Jacksonville market well. The Nimnicht name is highly respected in Florida, and rightfully so. The Nimnichts are the number one Chevy, Buick and GMC dealer in the greater Jacksonville area, and consistently receive top marks in customer satisfaction surveys."

In late January, Wheego added a Chicago auto dealer to its network. Green Wheels, LTD, a family-owned business started in the 1940s, will represent Wheego electric vehicles in the Chicago area.

There's no news yet on Wheego meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Regulations (FMVSSR). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had granted the automaker a temporary exemption from FMVSSR for an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system until the end of 2012. Wheego is in the process of developing an ESC for its cars that complies with NHTSA's inspection.

Continue reading Wheego adds LiFe EV dealer in Florida

Wheego adds LiFe EV dealer in Florida originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealerelectric carelectric vehicleevjacksonvillelifewheegowhipMon, 11 Feb 2013 10:07:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20450441/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20450441/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/11/wheego-adds-life-ev-dealer-in-florida/20450441/article-detail.xml 20450441 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/wheego-life-cars-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/wheego-life-cars-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota animates Ha:mo mobility network]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/toyota-ha-mo-mobility-network-navi-ride/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/toyota-ha-mo-mobility-network-navi-ride/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/toyota-ha-mo-mobility-network-navi-ride/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

toyota ha:mo anime video

Automakers will be playing a much different role in cities in the near future, according to Toyota. Manufacturing cars and marketing them through their dealer networks may take a backseat to smart transportation and mobility. See also: Daimler's Car2go.

Toyota's "Ha:mo" - Harmonious Mobility Network - will provide communities with service offerings designed to alleviate three big problems: traffic jams, CO2 emissions and energy consumption waste. It could also bring positive effects to local residents through new encounters, driving people to be more active and get out more.

Ha:mo will be delivered through two services - Ha:mo NAVI with route guidance and coordination of private and public transportation; and Ha:mo RIDE, a car sharing system using mini electric cars. Watch the video below to see anime characters riding transit and driving mini-EVs, with handheld smart devices and signage presented in both Japanese and English.

Ha:mo NAVI provides transportation route options - it's not just faster or cheaper, but lowers CO2 emissions based on traffic congestion. It suggests alternative routes when traffic is congested on the drive home. When bus overcrowding is expected, the system encourages bus operators to increase the number of routes.

Ha:mo RIDE is a mobility network for short distance trips in town. Drivers can book ride sharing reservations through their Ha:mo NAVI units. They can pick up one of the ultra-compact EVs at different locations. The tiny three-wheeler EV can park itself in tight spaces. A smart battery charging system will recharge batteries during off-peak hours to avoid tapping out the community's electricity supply.

The more people join Ha:mo, the more positive effects Ha:mo will have on the community, according to the video. It will reduce stress caused by traffic jams and rush hour, lower CO2 emissions and lessen energy consumption waste. Ha:mo will bring people many new encounters, and drive people to be more active and encourage them to get out more. It could be a point of pride for communities.

BMW is another automaker that has taken on its own smart transportation and mobility campaign, BMW Megacity Project. Forecasts say the world is heading toward overcrowded "megacities," and BMW is delivering electrified high-performance luxury cars with zero CO2 emissions. BMW's DriveNow car sharing program will also help put less cars on the road.

Continue reading Toyota animates Ha:mo mobility network

Toyota animates Ha:mo mobility network originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co2co2 emissionshamojapanmobilitysmart transportationtoyotatoyota harmonious mobility networktrafficTue, 20 Nov 2012 17:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20384893/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20384893/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/20/toyota-ha-mo-mobility-network-navi-ride/20384893/article-detail.xml 20384893 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/toyota-hamo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/toyota-hamo.jpg <![CDATA[KLD, Cenntro working on a number of electric vehicle projects]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/kld-cenntro-working-on-a-number-of-electric-vehicle-projects/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/kld-cenntro-working-on-a-number-of-electric-vehicle-projects/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/kld-cenntro-working-on-a-number-of-electric-vehicle-projects/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



On- and off-road, multiple-use electric vehicles are being developed by two companies with experience in electric motor technology and powertrains. KLD Energy Technologies, which develops high-performance electric motor technology, and Cenntro Group Limited, a developer of powertrains fueled by diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (also known as propane autogas), have made an agreement to produce four-wheel drive electric vehicles that incorporate KLD's drive system technologies.

Cenntro Group has experience making powertrains that are used in industrial, agricultural, transportation and construction equipment worldwide. This will work well for the new joint venture objective to build a series of vehicles such as a Utility Electric Vehicle, which is an off-road and on-road work and maintenance vehicle. A low-speed Neighborhood Electric Vehicle and an Intra-city Logistic Vehicle compact delivery vehicle are also in the planning and development phases.

As for target markets, the joint venture will be focusing on the US, Europe and China, with China the market with the strongest growth potential. Cenntro Group operates in that market through Xinchang Cenntro Machinery Co., Ltd., and the company is a major shareholder in Sinomachinery Group Ltd.

As seen above, KLD has been developing its technology for a few years now including electric motor scooters serving the Vietnam market and in other projects designed at its Austin, TX, headquarters. It will provide the motor, battery pack and controller for the KLD/Cenntro product. KLD and Samsung SDI recently made an agreement to develop battery systems incorporating Samsung SDI's lithium-ion battery cells and KLD drive technologies.

KLD, Cenntro working on a number of electric vehicle projects originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinacommercial vehicleselectric motorelectric vehiclesfleetsoff-road vehiclesMon, 12 Nov 2012 10:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20375655/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20375655/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/12/kld-cenntro-working-on-a-number-of-electric-vehicle-projects/20375655/article-detail.xml 20375655 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/kld-energy-technologies_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/kld-energy-technologies.jpg <![CDATA[First EcoCentre selling China-built NEVs opens near LA]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/first-ecocentre-selling-china-built-nevs-opens-near-la/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/first-ecocentre-selling-china-built-nevs-opens-near-la/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/first-ecocentre-selling-china-built-nevs-opens-near-la/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Eco has landed.

In this case, the first US EcoCentre, which specializes in selling neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) made by China-based Liuzhou Wuling Special Purpose Vehicle Manufacturing Co., has opened for business, Plug In Cars reports.

The EcoCentre, which is operated by Lincoln and Jaguar dealer Ramon Alvarez, is in Irvine, CA, near Los Angeles, and also sells Coda Automotive electric vehicles. The NEVs, which have a top speed of 25 miles per hour and a single-charge range of up to 40 miles, range in price from $9,995 for the EcoE mini car to $17,995 for the EcoVan.

Alvarez first announced his intention to sell the EVs in July at the National Association of Minority Auto Dealers conference in Las Vegas. The cars might be small, but his hopes are big. He told Plug In Cars that he expects, "conservatively," to sign up dealers to open as many as 200 EcoCentres open in five years.

First EcoCentre selling China-built NEVs opens near LA originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alvarezcodaecocentreelectric vehicleirvineramon alvarezFri, 12 Oct 2012 13:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20348186/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20348186/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/12/first-ecocentre-selling-china-built-nevs-opens-near-la/20348186/article-detail.xml 20348186 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/ecocentre_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/ecocentre.png <![CDATA[Canadian man fighting for right to ride power-assisted e-bicycle]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/canadian-man-fighting-for-right-to-ride-power-assisted-e-bicycle/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/canadian-man-fighting-for-right-to-ride-power-assisted-e-bicycle/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/canadian-man-fighting-for-right-to-ride-power-assisted-e-bicycle/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



A Canadian man is fighting in court for his right to ride a power-assisted electric bicycle. Chesley Earle, 25, who has a disability that impairs his ability to stand for long periods or walk long distances, saved his money for months to buy a bike powered by pedaling and electricity. He uses his bike to drive through the city of Corner Brook, which is located on the west coast of Newfoundland in eastern Canada.

He was stopped by the police - the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary - on his first day of riding the power-assisted bike and was charged on four counts, including riding without a proper "license" and registration. On August 30, he appeared in court with his uncle Michael Earle assisting him to fight fines that added up to $3,000 in Canadian dollars.

The bike is electric and pedal-driven and has a top speed of 25 kilometers per hour (15 miles per hour), compared to gasoline-driven mopeds with pedals that can go as fast as 70 or 80 km/h (43-50 mph), Michael Earle told CBC News. The bike gave his nephew the freedom to travel around Corner Brook, visit his grandmother and to go swimming in the park. "The bike sort of opened up the world for him," his uncle said.

The RNC officer charged that Earle's bike, like motorcycles, require a license and registration. The family did its own legal research and disagreed, so they entered a not guilty plea. "We discovered there is nothing out there on any documents in federal, provincial or town documents stating that these bikes aren't allowed on the streets of Newfoundland and Labrador," Michael Earle said.

The case will come back to the court again on December 19.

Canadian man fighting for right to ride power-assisted e-bicycle originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadachesley earlee-bicyclee-bikeelectric vehiclemobilityMon, 10 Sep 2012 07:53:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20316594/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20316594/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/10/canadian-man-fighting-for-right-to-ride-power-assisted-e-bicycle/20316594/article-detail.xml 20316594 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ford-e-bike_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ford-e-bike.jpg <![CDATA[Does a DIY EV named Pius sound familiar to anyone else?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/diy-ev-kit-pius/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/diy-ev-kit-pius/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/diy-ev-kit-pius/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Electric vehicle fans have been building their own do-it-yourself cars for years, and a Japanese company thinks it has just the thing to reach that market: a quirky little DIY EV kit. We're not saying Modi chose "Pius" as the product name as a crass way to trick that audience, just that the name certainly reminds us of another, quite popular, green vehicle.

Modi Corporation, a Japan-based company making prototype vehicles, will begin offering the "micro compact car" Pius kit next spring. Range on a full charge is only expected to be a little over 15 miles, and it will only drive about 22 miles per hour at top speed, so you'd basically be building a neighborhood EV. Pricing for the mini-EV has yet to be announced.

The single-seater can be registered as a class-1 motorized bicycle in Japan. While it's certainly not an appealing commuter car, the company expects that the do-it-yourself kit will be used as an educational tool for learning the basic functions and manufacturing of EVs. Customers are expected to be based at educational institutions such as universities, colleges of technology, and service technician training centers.

Does a DIY EV named Pius sound familiar to anyone else? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleEVkit carpiuspius electric kit carpriusTue, 07 Aug 2012 18:06:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20293168/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20293168/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/07/diy-ev-kit-pius/20293168/article-detail.xml 20293168 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/pius-electric-kit-car-b_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/pius-electric-kit-car-b.jpg <![CDATA[Alvarez low-speed EVs unveiled in Vegas, coming soon to EcoCentres]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/alvarez-low-speed-evs-unveiled-in-vegas-coming-soon-to-ecocentr/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/alvarez-low-speed-evs-unveiled-in-vegas-coming-soon-to-ecocentr/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/alvarez-low-speed-evs-unveiled-in-vegas-coming-soon-to-ecocentr/#commentsFiled under: ,



Every now and then, a new electric vehicle pops up unexpectedly on our radar, fully realized and just about ready for sale. They're usually low-speed electrics, and that's exactly the case with the line-up of EVs from Alvarez Electric Motors Company that was unveiled in Vegas last week at the National Association of Minority Auto Dealers.

Looking almost exactly like any number of neighborhood electric vehicles before them, the Alvarez NEVs will be sold in "Ecocentres," which are part of a dealership network "dedicated to economical, environmentally friendly fleet and consumer vehicles."

Who is this titular Alvarez? He's Ramon Alvarez, who owns Lincoln and Jaguar dealerships in Riverside, CA and said that the cars' main reason for being is their low price tags and zero-emission status. In a statement, he said, "Americans who love the environment and hate the price of gasoline are showing an increasing level of interest in owning an electric vehicle, but they sometimes have been stymied by the relatively-high cost of ownership. AEMC is going to bridge that gap with a commuter car that is priced just under $10,000 and is eligible for thousands of dollars in rebates and tax credits through our local, state and federal governments."

Prices start at $9,995 for the Eco-E Commuter Car, $16,995 for the EcoTruck and $17,995 for the EcoVan. The vehicles all have a top speed of 25 miles per hour and claimed ranges of between 25 and 40 miles (30 to 40 miles for the Eco-E). The vehicles are made by Liuzhou Wuling Special Purpose Vehicle Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in China and use absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries. You can find more specs below.

Continue reading Alvarez low-speed EVs unveiled in Vegas, coming soon to EcoCentres

Alvarez low-speed EVs unveiled in Vegas, coming soon to EcoCentres originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alvarez electric vehicleseco-eecocenteresecotruckecovanlow speed electricnevMon, 30 Jul 2012 09:49:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20287581/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20287581/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/30/alvarez-low-speed-evs-unveiled-in-vegas-coming-soon-to-ecocentr/20287581/article-detail.xml 20287581 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/ecocenter-ev-628_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/ecocenter-ev-628.png <![CDATA[GreenTech's low-speed MyCar may hurt electric vehicle momentum more than help]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/29/greentechs-low-speed-mycar-may-hurt-electric-vehicle-momentum-m/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/29/greentechs-low-speed-mycar-may-hurt-electric-vehicle-momentum-m/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/29/greentechs-low-speed-mycar-may-hurt-electric-vehicle-momentum-m/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

GreenTech MyCar

Thanks, but no thanks.

That's what the ostensible electric-vehicles advocates at Plug In Cars are saying about GreenTech Automotive and its proposed MyCar neighborhood-electric vehicle.

With ex-Democratic National Committee chief Terry McAuliffe as its chairman, GreenTech is more notable for its political connections than automotive expertise, and, at an expected pricetag of more than $15,000, MyCar may not find an audience, Plug In Cars said.

Additionally, GreenTech, which is pitching itself as a job-builder for economically-starved Mississippi, is looking to get some of its funding from the federal government's EB-5 program, which lets overseas citizens invest $500,000 in domestic companies in exchange for quicker green-card processing, and that method is a dicey way to raise money, Plug In Cars says. The company's failure would embolden politicos who've been rallying against supporting electric-drive technology, the website says.

Earlier this month, GreenTech Automotive unveiled the MyCar, garnering some press by getting visits from former President Bill Clinton (D) and state Gov. Haley Barbour (R) for the occasion. GreenTech, which is building a 300,000-square-foot factory in addition to its 376,000-square-foot Mississippi plant, estimated that MyCar would sell for about $15,000, with a government-regulated top speed of 25 miles per hour and a single-charge range of about 115 miles.

GreenTech's low-speed MyCar may hurt electric vehicle momentum more than help originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 29 Jul 2012 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clintonelectric vehiclegreentechmississippimycarneighborhood electric vehiclenevTerry McAuliffeSun, 29 Jul 2012 08:36:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20287905/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20287905/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/29/greentechs-low-speed-mycar-may-hurt-electric-vehicle-momentum-m/20287905/article-detail.xml 20287905 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/mycar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/mycar.jpg <![CDATA[Mississippi automaker unveils $15k MyCar electric car, gets visit from Bill Clinton]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/14/mississippi-automaker-unveils-15k-mycar-electric-car-gets-visi/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/14/mississippi-automaker-unveils-15k-mycar-electric-car-gets-visi/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/14/mississippi-automaker-unveils-15k-mycar-electric-car-gets-visi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

GreenTech Automotive MyCar

A Mississippi-based automaker unveiled a two-seat city electric vehicle and got visits from former President Bill Clinton (D) and state Gov. Haley Barbour (R) to mark the occasion.

GreenTech Automotive's plug-in highlight was the low-speed MyCar, an EV that the company says will have a single-charge range of 115 miles and a price of about $15,500. The Horn Lake, MS company said producing the car will create 426 new jobs. GreenTech, which acquired Hong Kong-based EuAuto two years ago, is building a 300,000-square-foot factory, in addition to operating a 376,000-square-foot plant in Mississippi.

Somewhat secretly, GreenTech started building the car last November. The company estimates that it'll make about 110 units during is first year of production. MyCar has a top speed of 45 miles per hour, though that will be limited to 25 miles per hour because of U.S. regulations. The first batch of vehicles will be used by Dominoes to deliver pizzas and some will be sold to a Danish company, the Associated Press reports.

GreenTech has long considered Mississippi home, at least since 2009, when the company rose out of the legal dispute over Hybrid Kinetic Automotive Corp. GreenTech Automotive is chaired by former Democratic National Committee chief Terry McAuliffe, which is useful in getting high-profile politicians to appear at an opening. McAuliffe told the New York Times that, "No one else's offer was even close to Governor Barbour's. We can disagree on political issues, but this is two people from different parties coming together. He's been very aggressive in bringing in the carmakers, so now he's saying, 'Let's try an electric.' It's a win-win for everybody."

Continue reading Mississippi automaker unveils $15k MyCar electric car, gets visit from Bill Clinton

Mississippi automaker unveils $15k MyCar electric car, gets visit from Bill Clinton originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 14 Jul 2012 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill clintoncity carelectric vehicleEVgreentech automotivehaley barbourmississippimycarterry mcauliffeSat, 14 Jul 2012 08:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20277793/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20277793/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/14/mississippi-automaker-unveils-15k-mycar-electric-car-gets-visi/20277793/article-detail.xml 20277793 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mycar-white-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mycar-white-628.jpg <![CDATA[OK court rules neighborhood electric vehicle buyers can get $5,000 rebates]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/ok-court-rules-neighborhood-electric-vehicle-buyers-can-get-5-0/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/ok-court-rules-neighborhood-electric-vehicle-buyers-can-get-5-0/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/ok-court-rules-neighborhood-electric-vehicle-buyers-can-get-5-0/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



One more reason to start blaring "Boomer Sooner.

Oklahomans who felt that they didn't get a fair deal out of the state's generous tax rebate when they bought their Tomberlin neighborhood-electric vehicle (NEV) a few years back got their day in court recently and will now get their refund.

According to the Oklahoman, the state supreme court ended the two-plus-year dispute by ruling late last month that the NEV buyers will get their tax credit, which covers about half the purchase price of the vehicles. In 2009, the Oklahoma Tax Commission called the NEVs "golf carts" and said the vehicles didn't qualify to get any money back from the state. The state does look to the IRS to help determine if a vehicle is defined as a "low speed vehicle," and the IRS looks for four wheels, a vehicle that "is manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads and highways (not including a vehicle operated exclusively on a rail or rails)" and is "not manufactured primarily for off-road use, such as primarily for use on a golf course" and can go at least 20 but not more than 25 miles per hour. Most Tomberlin NEVs are priced in the $8,000 to $10,000 range and meet these qualifications and so the court ruled in favor of the NEV buyers.

OK court rules neighborhood electric vehicle buyers can get $5,000 rebates originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleneighborhood electric vehicleoklahomatax commissiontomberlinTue, 05 Jun 2012 08:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20249947/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20249947/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/05/ok-court-rules-neighborhood-electric-vehicle-buyers-can-get-5-0/20249947/article-detail.xml 20249947 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/tomberlin-anvil-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/tomberlin-anvil-628.jpg <![CDATA[Renault could sell low-speed Twizy; Nissan considering Leaf battery leases]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/31/renault-could-sell-low-speed-twizy-nissan-considering-leaf-batt/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/31/renault-could-sell-low-speed-twizy-nissan-considering-leaf-batt/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/31/renault-could-sell-low-speed-twizy-nissan-considering-leaf-batt/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



If anyone wondered what right-hand-drive donuts in a really light electric-vehicle looked like, we all may soon find out.

Renault may launch a low-speed version of its battery-electric Twizy in the UK next year in an effort to capitalize on a law allowing for unlicensed drivers for some smaller vehicles, according to UK's Autocar.

The EV, called the Twizy 45, would be able to be legally driven by unlicensed drivers who are at least 16 years old if the EV is limited to a top speed of 28 miles per hour (that's 45 kph and gives the car its name) and weighs no more than 350 kilograms (770 pounds), or about half the weight of a Smart ForTwo, Autocar reported, citing Andy Heiron, who runs Renault UK's electric-vehicle operations. The EV may cost about £6,200 ($9,900), though a teenager may have to pay another two-thirds of that total during the first year in the form of insurance premiums.

Renault and sister company Nissan have invested a reported $5 billion developing lines of electric vehicles for both companies, including the Nissan Leaf. Nissan's only sold about 600 Leafs in the UK since the model's launch there last spring, Heiron told Autocar, adding that Nissan is considering allowing Leaf buyers to lease the car's battery instead of buying it in order to cut the cost of the car.

The Twizy got some additional attention earlier this week by being included in the new "Plug Into The Positive Energy" exhibit at the L'Atelier Renault stage on Paris's Champs Elysées, where the EV is moved around vertically as part of a so-called "dance routine." Renault this month started selling three variations of the Twizy, with the lowest-price Urban starting at £6,690 ($10,702 U.S. at today's exchange rates) and the top-of-the-line Technic priced at £7,400 ($11,838).

Renault could sell low-speed Twizy; Nissan considering Leaf battery leases originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleneighborhood electric vehiclenissanrenaultrenault twizytwizyu.k.Sat, 31 Mar 2012 17:08:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20205248/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20205248/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/31/renault-could-sell-low-speed-twizy-nissan-considering-leaf-batt/20205248/article-detail.xml 20205248 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/twizy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/twizy.jpg <![CDATA[Pennsylvania may make neighborhood-electric vehicles street legal]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/pennsylvania-may-make-neighborhood-electric-vehicles-street-lega/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/pennsylvania-may-make-neighborhood-electric-vehicles-street-lega/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/pennsylvania-may-make-neighborhood-electric-vehicles-street-lega/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Pennsylvania, one of the last states holding out against legalizing neighborhood-electric vehicles (NEVs) - such as those from Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), pictured - for street use, may change its laws to allow NEVs on some streets with speed limits as high as 35 miles per hour, according to AOL's Patch website for Warmister, PA.

The State Senate passed a bill that would allow NEVs on any street with a posted speed limit of no more than 25 mph and on some roads where the speed limit is as high as 35 mph. The bill, which was sponsored by the appropriately -named Senator Stewart Greenleaf and which doesn't include golf carts, will go before the state's House of Representatives for possible approval.

NEVs have long been popular with governments and operators of entities such as college campuses and planned communities because of their relatively small footprint, rechargability and lower pricetag - their lead-acid batteries keep the cost of a typical NEV at about $9,000.

NEVs are also gradually gaining favor as on-street vehicles. Green-technology research firm Pike Research estimated last year that global annual NEV sales will increase to almost 55,000 vehicles in 2017 from about 37,000 last year, with North America accounting for about half those totals. Global sales of NEVs, which are street-legal in 46 states, could surge further if China makes them street-legal.


Pennsylvania may make neighborhood-electric vehicles street legal originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleGEMlegislationneighborhood electric vehicleNEVNEVspennsylvaniastewart greenleafMon, 06 Feb 2012 09:56:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20164402/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20164402/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/06/pennsylvania-may-make-neighborhood-electric-vehicles-street-lega/20164402/article-detail.xml 20164402 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/nev_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/nev.png <![CDATA[Greentech Automotive's MyCar is actually getting built]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/greentech-automotives-mycar-is-actually-getting-built/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/greentech-automotives-mycar-is-actually-getting-built/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/greentech-automotives-mycar-is-actually-getting-built/#commentsFiled under: ,


What the world apparently needs now, according to the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Terry McAuliffe, is a U.S.-made, low-speed electric vehicle. Yes, in the age of the Nissan Leaf and the Mitsubishi i, Greentech Automotive began building the MyCar in Horn Lake, MS on November 11th. McAuliffe says that his car has one big advantage: "We have some great electric cars out there, but they are expensive. I want the masses to be able to buy our car." Of course, even though the website repeatedly mentions that the MyCar is afforadable, it doesn't seem to give an actual price for the car. Charlottesville Tomorrow says the car will costbetween $10,000 and $17,000, depending on how big the lithium-ion battery pack is. Different sizes give the car a range of anywhere between 40 and 100 miles. We've asked GTA to share more detailed information with us, and will let you know when we get a response.

In any case, the MyCar has a top speed of 45 miles per hour (which will be legally limited to 25 or 35 mph, depending on state law). It's also polite. The MyCar website says, "No highway driving, please." That comes later. Greentech Automotive has expressed plans to build "fully NHTSA- and EPA-certified, full-speed, all-road vehicles" at some point down the road, should things pan out. Things are off to a good start, with the 110 or so vehicles that GTA will make in its first year of production already sold to a buyer in Denmark.

Greentech Automotive's MyCar is actually getting built originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>greentech automotivegtalsvmycarnevterry mcauliffeTue, 15 Nov 2011 13:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20106392/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20106392/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/15/greentech-automotives-mycar-is-actually-getting-built/20106392/article-detail.xml 20106392 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/mycar-gta_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/mycar-gta.png <![CDATA[Will GreenTech vehicles go to Europe?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/will-greentech-vehicles-go-to-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/will-greentech-vehicles-go-to-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/will-greentech-vehicles-go-to-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

GreenTech MyCar
Founded in 2009 by former Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe, GreenTech Automotive is currently prepping its first neighborhood electric vehicle, the MyCar, for launch in the U.S. and distribution throughout Europe.

Roughly the same size as a Smart Fortwo, the MyCar will be built at GreenTech's Mississippi factory and should hit U.S. streets by late 2011. Recently, GreenTech Automotive received certification to export vehicles to Europe and claims to have already signed a distribution deal with Danish firm Greenabout. Other deals with European distributors are supposedly in the works.

GreenTech says the U.S.-built MyCar stays true to the automaker's motto of "no green technology is truly green unless it is affordably green." Pricing for the MyCar has not yet been released.

Continue reading Will GreenTech vehicles go to Europe?

Will GreenTech vehicles go to Europe? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleeuropegreentechgreentech automotivegreentech mycarmycarneighborhood electric vehiclenevFri, 23 Sep 2011 18:07:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20050044/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20050044/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/23/will-greentech-vehicles-go-to-europe/20050044/article-detail.xml 20050044 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/mycar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/mycar.jpg <![CDATA[Greentech Automotive gets a second act, wants to make MyCar in MIssissippi]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/greentech-automotive-gets-a-second-act-wants-to-make-mycar-in-m/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/greentech-automotive-gets-a-second-act-wants-to-make-mycar-in-m/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/greentech-automotive-gets-a-second-act-wants-to-make-mycar-in-m/#commentsFiled under: ,

Greentech Automotive was founded in 2006 by former Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe, but you could be forgiven if you forgot about the company over the last five years. McAuliffe, who managed the unsuccessful presidential campaign of Hillary Rodham Clinton in 2008 and lost a bid for the governorship of Virginia in 2009, seemed to have put his transportation efforts on the back burner. In the meantime, Greentech - which was planned in partnership with the former CEO of Chinese automaker Brilliance - underwent a series of management changes.

Now McAuliffe is back at the helm as Greentech prepares to roll out its first vehicle. Based on a design penned by automotive impressario Giorgetto Giugiaro, the MyCar is the size of a Smart fortwo but it is an NEV, and so it is limited to a top speed of 35 mph. GreenTech plans to sell the NEV both in the U.S. and in Europe, where the market for such vehicles is more robust. A version of the myCar was previously available in Europe from the UK's NICE Car Company.

Greentech's plans don't end with the NEV market. They intend to follow the myCar with "fully NHTSA- and EPA-certified, full-speed, all-road vehicles."

Like many other electric vehicle start-up companies, GreenTech is looking to build an impressive factory: a $1 billion dollar facility near Tunica, MS. The company is also predicting hiring an impressive number of jobs, with 5,000 people to be on payroll by 2014. Trouble is, promises are easy to make, and electric cars are not.

Greentech Automotive gets a second act, wants to make MyCar in MIssissippi originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclegreentechgreentech mycarmycarnevNICE Car CompanyWed, 14 Sep 2011 13:06:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20038172/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20038172/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/14/greentech-automotive-gets-a-second-act-wants-to-make-mycar-in-m/20038172/article-detail.xml 20038172 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/mycar_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/mycar.png <![CDATA[Electric cab company hit with hundreds of tickets in Austin [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/03/electric-cab-company-austin-tx-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/03/electric-cab-company-austin-tx-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/03/electric-cab-company-austin-tx-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Electric cab company in Austin

A recent arrest has re-ignited a three-year battle between Electric Cab of Austin, TX and the City's Transportation Department, proving again that the legal status of low-speed electric vehicles is a gray area in a lot of places in the U.S.

Last Sunday, a driver for Electric Cab of Austin was reportedly arrested for not having the proper permit to operate a vehicle for hire on the streets of Austin. The owner of Electric Cab, Chris Nielsen, admits as much, but says his firm does not need a permit since his drivers work only for tips, not fares. This isn't the first time this sort of thing has happened, and Electric Cab has faced hundreds of dismissed tickets over the past few years.

Even though he says he doesn't need a permit, Nielsen claims he has been trying to get one for a long time. The trouble is, since his five vehicles are basically nothing more than electrified golf carts, they are not included in the city's ordinances and, thus, permits cannot be obtained. Neilsen says he will continue to operate Electric Cab and, now that he has the support of Austin's police department, his drivers aren't likely to be arrested. Austin's city council is currently working on regulations that should eventually allow for Electric Cab to obtain a proper permit. Hit the jump for KXAN News' video of this ongoing permit battle.

Continue reading Electric cab company hit with hundreds of tickets in Austin [w/video]

Electric cab company hit with hundreds of tickets in Austin [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinelectric cabelectric cab companyelectric golf cartselectric vehicleneighborhood electric vehicleticketsvideoSat, 03 Sep 2011 16:36:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20032776/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20032776/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/03/electric-cab-company-austin-tx-video/20032776/article-detail.xml 20032776 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/electric-cab_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/electric-cab.png <![CDATA[Get off the phone: Cause of fatal G-Wiz crash revealed]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/02/fatal-g-wiz-crash-phone-cause/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/02/fatal-g-wiz-crash-phone-cause/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/02/fatal-g-wiz-crash-phone-cause/#commentsFiled under: ,

G-Wiz crash test image

Though exempt from formal crash test standards in most countries, vehicles like the electric, Indian-built Reva - sold in England as the G-Wiz - have occasionally been subjected to informal tests, and the results have raised eyebrows. Years ago, Top Gear subjected a G-Wiz to EuroNCAP crash tests to see how it would hold up. The vehicle struck a barrier at 40 miles per hour and, well, let's just say the G-Wiz nearly vanished.

That makes for interesting TV, but the safety issues are real. A leading British academic, Dr. Judit Nadal, 47, sadly lost her life shortly after her blue G-Wiz collided with a Skoda Octavia in November of 2010. The G-Wiz was reportedly torn in two on the A41 Hendon Way that links London to Birkenhead.

Now, circumstances leading up to the accident have been revealed and, even though it's still easy to question the G-Wiz's safety, the fatal crash was apparently caused by driver error. The London Evening Standard reports Dr. Nadal had been on the phone with her husband seconds before the impact. Just moments before the fatal crash, Dr. Nadal told her husband, "I think I have made a mistake," as she whizzed out in front of the Skoda.

Though the police investigation found the G-Wiz provided almost no protection in the accident, Dr. Nadal's decision not to fasten her seatbelt because she found it to be uncomfortable, means she'd likely of had only a slight chance of surviving the crash even if the G-Wiz had been developed to meet crash test standards. Dr. Nadal's husband told the London Evening Standard that his final words to his wife were, "Get off the phone and concentrate." Let this be a lesson to all.

Get off the phone: Cause of fatal G-Wiz crash revealed originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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