Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Nissan announces 2010 facelift for the Qashqai, includes low-CO<sub>2</sub> version]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/nissan-announces-2010-facelift-for-the-qashqai-includes-low-co/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/nissan-announces-2010-facelift-for-the-qashqai-includes-low-co/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/nissan-announces-2010-facelift-for-the-qashqai-includes-low-co/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nissan has decided to update the successful European-model Qashqai for the next model year. We've come to expect aesthetic changes in these yearly revamps, like the LED daytime lights. The bigger news is the announcement of a Pure Drive version of the Qashqai, which refers to the Nissans' green label. The Pure Drive model uses the 106 hp version of the Renault-sourced 1.5 dCi diesel engine and also has the usual eco-tweaks like low-rolling resistance tires, improved aerodynamics and longer gear ratios. All these changes help the new Qashqai produce just 129 g/km of CO2, whereas the standard version produces 137. Prices are rumored to start at about €20,000, fairly reasonable for one of the best sellers in Europe.

[Source: Autoblog en español]

Nissan announces 2010 facelift for the Qashqai, includes low-CO2 version originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>129 g co2129GCo2nissan pure drivenissan qashqaiNissan Qashqai pure driveNissanPureDriveNissanQashqaiNissanQashqaiPureDrivepure drivePureDriveFri, 04 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan expects to double battery energy capacity by 2015]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/nissan-expects-to-double-energy-capacity-of-battery-by-2015/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/nissan-expects-to-double-energy-capacity-of-battery-by-2015/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/nissan-expects-to-double-energy-capacity-of-battery-by-2015/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Nissan Leaf - Click above for high-res image gallery

If the ranges offered by the upcoming Nissan and Renault electric cars aren't as long as you'd like, you'll be pleased to learn they should double by 2015. Nissan is just about done developing an energy storage cell that has twice the capacity of their current batteries. Focusing their research efforts on the positive electrode, they have added cobalt and nickel to the manganese they already use which yields them a (breathe) lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide cathode battery or, if you like, NMC for short. This would only be marginally good news if the cost of the new power pack also doubled but we're assured that this is not the case. The manufacturing process is quite similar and the expensive cobalt is used quite sparingly so the outlay should be close to that of their current chemistry. This all fits in with Nissan's electric vehicle introduction strategy.

Nissan isn't the only company developing NMC either. Other battery-makers working with the same materials are said to include Panasonic, Sanyo, Hitachi, GS Yuasa, Samsung, EnerDel, Kokam, Evonik/Litarion, Enax, and Imara. With such a dramatic increase only a few short years away, we can't help but wonder how this may effect attitudes towards battery leasing models in the near term. Relieve our curiosity with your comments after the break.


Gallery: 2010 Nissan LEAF


Gallery: Renault Fluence ZE concept


[Source: Green Car Congress]

Nissan expects to double battery energy capacity by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterybetter batteriesBetterBatteriesNissanrange anxietyRangeAnxietyMon, 30 Nov 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault-Nissan creates partnership for deploying EVs in China]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/renault-nissan-creates-partnership-for-deploying-evs-in-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/renault-nissan-creates-partnership-for-deploying-evs-in-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/renault-nissan-creates-partnership-for-deploying-evs-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Nissan Leaf - Click above for high-res image gallery

The latest city to join the long list of more than 30 cities and governments that have signed an agreement with Renault-Nissan is Guangzhou, a large city formerly known as Canton. Nissan's partner in China, Dongfeng, will work with the municipality to have electric cars available to customers and to create a charging network for these vehicles to use. The first cars are expected to be delivered as soon as 2011. Nothing was mentioned as to which electric model would be produced for the local market, although it's almost guaranteed to be one of the electric concepts shown at Frankfurt or the Nissan Leaf.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan LEAF


[Source: Gasgoo]

Renault-Nissan creates partnership for deploying EVs in China originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cantonev partnershipEvPartnershipGuangzhourenault-nissanrenault-nissan partnershipRenault-nissanPartnershipThu, 26 Nov 2009 08:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Quick Spin: Nissan Leaf the tip of mass market EV spear]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/quick-spin-nissan-leaf-the-tip-of-mass-market-ev-spear/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/quick-spin-nissan-leaf-the-tip-of-mass-market-ev-spear/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/quick-spin-nissan-leaf-the-tip-of-mass-market-ev-spear/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nissan Leaf - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan has gone into a back room, pulled out its Ouija board and decided that the time is right to make a huge bet. The Japanese automaker, along with its partner Renault, wants to be the world leader in pure electric vehicles. Even though you can go buy an Altima hybrid right now, the company didn't develop its own gas-electric technology (the sedan uses Toyota tech). This time around, Nissan believes the future belongs to vehicles without an internal combustion engine (ICE) and is preparing to put its own foot forward. It's way too early to know for sure, but Nissan's gamble could pay off handsomely. Toyota leads the hybrid race, General Motors and others are adding plugs to vehicles with liquid-fueled engines, but no major automaker has claimed the pure EV pole position. If everything goes right, Nissan will be that automaker.

The flagship vehicle for the automaker is, of course, the Leaf EV hatchback, which was unveiled in August and recently made its North American debut in Los Angeles. We were on hand to take a Leaf mule out for a short (very short) spin and heard directly from Nissan how this unique-looking EV will secure Nissan's place in the auto industry as tremendous changes take place in the coming years. Follow us after the jump to learn about Nissan's wager and find out if the Leaf has got the potential to (silently) propel the company to the top.



Photos copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Quick Spin: Nissan Leaf the tip of mass market EV spear

Quick Spin: Nissan Leaf the tip of mass market EV spear originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery electric vehicleBatteryElectricVehiclebevelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevfeaturedleafnissannissan leafNissanLeafquick spinQuickSpinTue, 24 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan starts first hydrogen X-Trail FCV lease in U.S. with Coke]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/nissan-starts-first-hydrogen-x-trail-fcv-lease-in-u-s-with-coke/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/nissan-starts-first-hydrogen-x-trail-fcv-lease-in-u-s-with-coke/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/nissan-starts-first-hydrogen-x-trail-fcv-lease-in-u-s-with-coke/#commentsFiled under: ,


Nissan FCV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just as it offers a variety of beverage flavors, the Coca-Cola company dabbles in many gasoline alternatives for its truck fleet, from flex-fuel to hybrids. Today, the Sacramento Coca-Cola Bottling Company started leasing a Nissan X-Trail hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the first such lease in North America. The company will lease the vehicle for one year, but has the option to extend that for another two years. Sacramento is one of the locations targeted by the California Fuel Cell Partnership for early H2 refueling infrastructure and already has three stations in the vicinity (it's also the home of the CaFCP). Coke will use the FCV for sales calls and public events to promote Coke Zero (zero - get it?). Read our first drive take on the X-Trail FCV here.

Gallery: Nissan X-Trail FCV


[Source: Nissan North America]

Continue reading Nissan starts first hydrogen X-Trail FCV lease in U.S. with Coke

Nissan starts first hydrogen X-Trail FCV lease in U.S. with Coke originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coca colacoca cola nissanCocaColaCocaColaNissanfcvFuel Cellfuel cell cokefuel cell vehicleFuelCellFuelCellCokeFuelCellVehiclenissan fcvnissan fuel cellNissanFcvNissanFuelCellTue, 24 Nov 2009 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Nissan may offer optional higher-capacity batteries at premium]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/report-nissan-may-offer-optional-higher-capacity-batteries-at-p/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/report-nissan-may-offer-optional-higher-capacity-batteries-at-p/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/report-nissan-may-offer-optional-higher-capacity-batteries-at-p/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 Nissan Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

It looks like Tesla probably won't be alone in offering different-sized battery packs in its future electric vehicles. At a U.S. launch event for the Leaf electric car on Friday, a Nissan product planner Mark Perry told Paul Eisenstein of the Detroit Bureau that the Japanese automaker is investigating a similar idea.

Lithium ion batteries are likely to remain expensive for the foreseeable future, so in a bid to make EVs more affordable, they could be offered with different battery capacities. Tesla is planning to offer three sizes for the Model S with ranges from 160 to 300 miles. The Leaf doesn't have room for a pack larger than the initial 100-mile range, but future models may be designed to accommodate larger packs while the base versions could come with a smaller unit.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan LEAF


[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: Nissan may offer optional higher-capacity batteries at premium originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterybattery sizeBatterySizeElectric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric-carElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehiclenissannissan evNissan Leafnissan leaf americanissan leaf carlos ghosnnissan leaf electricNissan LEAF EVNissanEvNissanLeafNissanLeafAmericaNissanLeafCarlosGhosnNissanLeafElectricNissanLeafEvTue, 17 Nov 2009 07:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Electrification Coalition sees plug-ins making up 25 percent of market by 2020]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/electrification-coalition-sees-plug-in-sales-making-up-25-percen/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/electrification-coalition-sees-plug-in-sales-making-up-25-percen/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/electrification-coalition-sees-plug-in-sales-making-up-25-percen/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



A new Electrification Coalition was announced today with the backing of the CEOs from twelve companies. What's interesting about this group is that, among the leaders from electric vehicles companies and related start-ups - Coda Automotive, Coulomb Technolgies, A123 Systems, etc. - we find Nissan's Carlos Ghosn. Nissan is the only major OEM to participate in this coalition, which will promote "policies and actions that will facilitate the deployment of electric vehicles on a mass scale in order to combat the economic, environmental, and national security vulnerabilities caused by our nation's dependence on petroleum."

Step one is the Electrification Roadmap (36MB PDF), which calls for ambitious plug-in sales goals: by 2020, BEVs and PHEVs should make up a full 25 percent of new vehicle sales in the U.S. This is a huge step beyond what Ghosn said was possible on Friday. By 2030, the target jumps to 90 percent, and, by 2040, 75 percent of all vehicle miles traveled in the U.S. should be done in a plug-in vehicle. The way the Coalition believes this can happen is by targeting markets where plug-in vehicles will be accepted early, and moving from there to the broader public. More details, including a list of all 12 companies involved, are available after the jump.

[Source: PRTM]





Photo by phos365. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Continue reading Electrification Coalition sees plug-ins making up 25 percent of market by 2020

Electrification Coalition sees plug-ins making up 25 percent of market by 2020 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a123a123 systemsA123Systemsbevbreakingbright automotiveBrightAutomotiveCarlos Ghosncarlos ghosn nissanCarlosGhosnCarlosGhosnNissancoulombcoulomb technologiesCoulombTechnologieselectrification coalitionelectrification roadmapElectrificationCoalitionElectrificationRoadmapgridpointphevMon, 16 Nov 2009 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan and Reliant Energy team up to promote EV infrastructure]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/nissan-and-reliant-energy-team-up-to-promote-ev-infrastructure/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/nissan-and-reliant-energy-team-up-to-promote-ev-infrastructure/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/nissan-and-reliant-energy-team-up-to-promote-ev-infrastructure/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 Nissan Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the U.S. launch of the Nissan LEAF EV tour on Friday, the automaker announced a partnership with Reliant Energy to promote the build out of a suitable infrastructure for the vehicles. The two companies will create plans to promote electric vehicle charging anywhere and everywhere, including home, work and in public places. Given that most electric vehicles that are remotely affordable for the foreseeable future will likely have limited range, the ability to do opportunistic charging wherever the car stops will be critical to consumer adoption. The partners will coordinate with local agencies to ensure that charging networks use common elements and are appropriately located. Nissan will also provide supplies of the LEAF to areas serviced by Reliant starting in late 2010. From Los Angeles, the LEAF will continue to 21 other cities in the U.S. and Canada for the remainder of the tour.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan LEAF


[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan and Reliant Energy team up to promote EV infrastructure

Nissan and Reliant Energy team up to promote EV infrastructure originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nissannissan evNissan Leafnissan leaf americanissan leaf electricNissan LEAF EVNissanEvNissanLeafNissanLeafAmericaNissanLeafElectricNissanLeafEvreliant energyReliantEnergyMon, 16 Nov 2009 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Fuel cell vehicles finish 707-mile demonstration run in Japan]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/fuel-cell-vehicles-finish-707-mile-demonstration-run-in-japan/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/fuel-cell-vehicles-finish-707-mile-demonstration-run-in-japan/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/fuel-cell-vehicles-finish-707-mile-demonstration-run-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Toyota, Nissan and Honda all participated in a fuel cell demonstration run in Japan last week. The three automakers brought their most advanced hydrogen fuel cell vehicles out for the two-day trip from Tokyo to Fukuoka with an overnight stop in Osaka. The driving teams piloted a Honda FCX Clarity, a Nissan X-Trail FCV and a Toyota Highlander FCHV-adv. Back in 2007, a Toyota FCHV traveled from Osaka to Tokyo on one tank of H2.

Over the course of the trip the three vehicles covered 706.5 miles and consumed 28.8 kg of hydrogen. That works out to an average of 73.6 miles / kg. One kg of hydrogen has roughly the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline, so the mileage works out to about 73-74 mpg.

The drive was organized by the Japan Hydrogen and Fuel cell project. While all three of the automakers are developing plug-in battery electric vehicles, all three also continue to work on fuel cells. Both Toyota and Honda maintain that they feel hydrogen remains the best long term solution for full function vehicles.

[Source: Japan Hydrogen and Fuel Cell project]

Fuel cell vehicles finish 707-mile demonstration run in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fuel Cellfuel cell carfuel cell vehiclesfuel cellsFuelCellFuelCellCarFuelCellsFuelCellVehicleshonda fcx clarityHondaFcxClarityhydrogenhydrogen carhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenCarHydrogenFuelCelljapannissan x-trail fcvNissanX-trailFcvtoyota fchv-advToyota FCHV-adv ConceptToyotaFchv-advToyotaFchv-advConceptMon, 16 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan LEAF named one of Time's top 50 inventions of 2009]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/nissan-leaf-named-one-of-times-top-50-inventions-of-2009/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/nissan-leaf-named-one-of-times-top-50-inventions-of-2009/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/nissan-leaf-named-one-of-times-top-50-inventions-of-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Nissan Leaf EV - Click above for hi-res gallery

As we approach the waning days of 2009, it's time for everyone to compile their lists of best and worst of this and that for the year. Time magazine is no exception to this grand tradition and typically publishes many such lists every year including top inventions. Among its list of 50 most important inventions of 2009 is the Nissan Leaf. The Leaf was unveiled in August as the first new dedicated electric vehicle from the Japanese automaker. The Leaf is important not just because of its powertrain, but because Nissan intends for it to be mass produced and sold globally at a reasonable price.

The Leaf isn't the only environmentally friendly transport on the list. The WorldFirst Formula 3 race car was developed at the University of Warwick in England with the use of bio-materials in some of its components. The steering wheel contains carrot fibers and the mirrors use potato starch while the engine runs on chocolate and vegetable biodiesel. Finally, the Honda U3-X personal mobility device also got on the list.



[Source: Time]

Nissan LEAF named one of Time's top 50 inventions of 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hondaHonda U3-Xhonda u3xHonda UX-3HondaU3-xHondaU3xHondaUx-3nissannissan evNissan Leafnissan leaf electricNissan LEAF EVNissanEvNissanLeafNissanLeafElectricNissanLeafEvtimetime magazineTimeMagazinetop 50 inventionsTop50InventionsWorldFirstWorldFirst Formula 3 racing carworldfirstf3WorldfirstFormula3RacingCarSat, 14 Nov 2009 18:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan CEO is bullish for Leaf's success, says million plug-ins by 2015 is an easy goal]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/nissan-ceo-is-bullish-on-leafs-success-says-million-plug-ins-b/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/nissan-ceo-is-bullish-on-leafs-success-says-million-plug-ins-b/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/nissan-ceo-is-bullish-on-leafs-success-says-million-plug-ins-b/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Speaking at the U.S. launch of the Nissan Leaf this morning in Dodgertown, Los Angeles, Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn was supremely confident and optimistic about the chances of his company's first electric vehicle - and plug-ins in general - in the U.S. market.

"This car should sell without advertising," Ghosn said, noting that Nissan's plan to sell a normal-looking (mostly), family-style vehicle with the "free premium" of an electric drivetrain will be an easy sell. Because the Leaf's batteries will be leased, Ghosn said, the Leaf will cost almost exactly the same as a similar gasoline-powered vehicle (it'll be one to two percent higher, without factoring in the cost of the battteries). For someone who drives between 12,000 and 15,000 miles a year, buying the Leaf and leasing the battery will be cheaper than owning a similar gas-powered car and filling up with liquid fuel. Using the "free premium" strategy, Ghosn said, the U.S. can easily reach and then beat President Obama's goal of having a million plug-in vehicles on the road by 2015.

Another bonus of leasing the battery, Ghosn said, is that the consumer won't have to worry about when to replace or upgrade it. Nissan will make that decision for the user, simplifying what it means to own an electric car. Nissan has publicly stated that they expect 10 percent of all cars sold in 2020 will be plug-ins, a number some criticized as too optimistic. But Ghosn said that Nissan's internal polling shows that even today, before most people have driven an EV, eight percent of Americans say they want their next car to be an EV. This gives Ghosn confidence that the 10 percent number is probably too low - and doesn't even account for possible dramatic political or social changes (wars, huge spikes in the price of oil, etc.). The question might not be if Nissan can drum up enough interest in the Leaf, but if they can produce enough to meet demand.

We'll have a full report about the launch - and what it's like to drive the Leaf - up shortly.

Our travel and lodging for this media event were paid for by the manufacturer.

Nissan CEO is bullish for Leaf's success, says million plug-ins by 2015 is an easy goal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 leaf2011 nissan leaf2011Leaf2011NissanLeafCarlos GhosnCarlosGhosnghosnnissannissan leafNissanLeafFri, 13 Nov 2009 14:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan releases official sketch of NV200-based electric commercial vehicle]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/nissan-releases-official-sketch-of-nv200-based-electric-commerci/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/nissan-releases-official-sketch-of-nv200-based-electric-commerci/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/nissan-releases-official-sketch-of-nv200-based-electric-commerci/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nissan Light Commercial Electric Vehicle sketch - Click above to enlarge

Nissan has electricity on the brain. The Japanese automaker is readying its opening salvo in the alternative propulsion wars in the form of the Leaf compact hatchback. Carlos Ghosn, though, announced at the Tokyo Motor Show that there would be plenty more to come, including an unknown Infiniti model, something like the unique leaning Land Glider concept and an electric version of the NV200 light commercial van that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show.

Naturally, there needs to be some sort of differentiation between the standard-fare NV200 and its battery-powered sibling, and Nissan has just released the first official sketch of that new electric commercial vehicle. As you can see from the above image, the vehicle will take plenty of inspiration from the Leaf, including the steeply-raked windshield, flowing headlamps, front-located plug receptacle and general bottom-feeder shape.

No real details besides the sketch have so far been provided, but you're more than welcome to click past the break to read the sparsely-worded press release.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan releases official sketch of NV200-based electric commercial vehicle

Nissan releases official sketch of NV200-based electric commercial vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nissannissan lcevnissan light commercial electric vehiclenissan light commercial vehiclenissan nv200nissan nv200 evNissanLcevNissanLightCommercialElectricVehicleNissanLightCommercialVehicleNissanNv200NissanNv200Evnv200nv200 evNv200EvFri, 06 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/la-auto-show-design-challenge-entrants-reveal-youthmobile-2030-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/la-auto-show-design-challenge-entrants-reveal-youthmobile-2030-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/la-auto-show-design-challenge-entrants-reveal-youthmobile-2030-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Mazda Souga Concept from LA Design Challenge 2009 - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's iteration of the annual Design Challenge at the LA Auto Show asks the question: How will a new generation of drivers age 16-23 - raised with cell phones, web cams and online communities - emotionally connect to the automobile in 2030? We don't know the answer either, but at least six designers from some of the world's top automakers decided to give it a go with their own ideas. if you thought the Aptera was futuristic, check these out.

First up are the eSpira and eOra from Audi, which are controlled by thought and by the minutest adjustments to the pilot's body. Next we have the General Motors Car Hero... yes, the name is borrowed from the popular Guitar Hero line of games and the car, as you might imagine, "turns driving into gaming." What happens when the inevitable "Game Over" comes at the end? Moving along, we come to the Honda Helix, a shape-shifting vehicle that borrows actual DNA from its owner. Yuck, we don't want to be a car, we want to drive a car.

Which brings us to the Mazda Souga, easily our favorite out of this crop of concepts. This vision for the future would have each owner design his own car for the low price of $2,000 while paying an additional monthly usage fee that also covers the price of electricity to power the Souga.

Nissan's vision for the future includes cars that get their power from an electrically-charged roadway called the GRID, and the vowel-challenged V2G UNLMTD is quickly hacked into an OFF-GRID transportation device by the next breed of young hackers. Lastly, we have the Toyota Link. According to Toyota, future college students will have nearly no income and will rely on mass transit vehicles like the Link that allow them to interact via their various social networks on their daily commutes. Sounds boring to us, but what do we know?

Be sure to check out all six designs in our high-res image gallery below and hit the jump for the official press release.



[Source: LA Design Challenge]

Continue reading LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs

LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi eoraaudi espiraAudiEoraAudiEspiradesign challengedesign challenge 2009DesignChallengeDesignChallenge2009general motors car heroGeneralMotorsCarHerohonda helixHondaHelixLA Design challengeLA Design Challenge 2009LaDesignChallengeLaDesignChallenge2009mazda sougaMazdaSouganissan v2gnissan v2g unmltdNissanV2gNissanV2gUnmltdtoyota linkToyotaLinkThu, 05 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf heading south of the border to Mexico City]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/nissan-leaf-heading-south-of-the-border-to-mexico-city/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/nissan-leaf-heading-south-of-the-border-to-mexico-city/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/nissan-leaf-heading-south-of-the-border-to-mexico-city/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn with Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

The latest addition to the ever growing list of regions signing up to support the Nissan-Renault alliance and its electric vehicle plans is Mexico City. The Mexican capital has reached an agreement with the Franco-Japanese automotive group that will see it be the first area in Latin America to get Nissan's upcoming dedicated electric car.

Due to a combination of its large, dense population and geography, Mexico City has similar pollution problems to the Los Angeles basin. The compact LEAF will be introduced in Mexico City in 2011 ahead of its general retail availability the following year. Through its Mexico City Government Green Plan, the city and, presumably, the federal government will be promoting a transition to electric vehicles, through a variety of incentives. At this rate, Nissan may be able to hit its half million EV target just selling cars to government agencies around the world.


[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan Leaf heading south of the border to Mexico City

Nissan Leaf heading south of the border to Mexico City originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mexico CityMexicoCitynissannissan evNissan Leafnissan leaf carlos ghosnnissan leaf electricNissan LEAF EVNissanEvNissanLeafNissanLeafCarlosGhosnNissanLeafElectricNissanLeafEvTue, 03 Nov 2009 13:54:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Nissan working on Tata Nano-like cheap car strategy]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/report-nissan-working-on-tata-nano-like-cheap-car-strategy/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/report-nissan-working-on-tata-nano-like-cheap-car-strategy/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/report-nissan-working-on-tata-nano-like-cheap-car-strategy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



India's Tata Nano has seemingly shown the world's remaining automakers that it's possible to build a small, inexpensive car for emerging markets that's still profitable. You can reportedly count Nissan among the car makers that are paying attention and the Japanese automaker has plans to launch a new small car platform in Thailand, India and China starting in March of 2010.

The new platform is called V (as in Versatile), and it's been in development since 2005. According to drive.com.au, the car will sport 18-percent fewer parts than current Nissan compacts and as many components as possible will be sourced from local areas.

Crucial to the success of the program is a massive number of sales - a whopping one million vehicles per year by 2013, which would represent nearly a third of all Nissan's sold in the last three months. To make that goal a reality, sales in Europe and the United States are also planned, possibly as early as 2011.

[Source: drive.com.au]

REPORT: Nissan working on Tata Nano-like cheap car strategy originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cheap NissanCheapNissannissannissan cheap carnissan chinanissan intimanissan nanonissan thailandNissanCheapCarNissanChinaNissanIntimaNissanNanoNissanThailandtata nanoTataNanoMon, 02 Nov 2009 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan ready to make 500,000 batteries a year when demand is there]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/nissan-ready-to-make-500-000-batteries-a-year-when-demand-is-the/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/nissan-ready-to-make-500-000-batteries-a-year-when-demand-is-the/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/nissan-ready-to-make-500-000-batteries-a-year-when-demand-is-the/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn with Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

You certainly can't argue with Carlos Ghosn's commitment to battery-powered vehicles. No one else in the auto industry has placed such a huge bet on plug-in vehicles. Renault has committed to four different battery-powered vehicles in the next few years, and Nissan has committed to three and possibly a fourth. Building so many EVs will require an awful lot of advanced batteries and Ghosn has been lining up the necessary financing to build battery plants in the United States and Europe in addition to Japan.

Speaking in China this week, Ghosn told reporters that his company has lined up the necessary resources to build up to half a million batteries a year if demand warrants it. Regardless of what one thinks of the merits of plug-in vehicles, Ghosn is no fool and won't actually start building the capacity for the batteries until the sales volumes justify it. To make that happen, Ghosn says Renault and Nissan will only sell EVs in regions where there are government incentives, recognizing that large numbers of people will not buy until the cars are cost competitive up front.


[Source: Reuters]

Nissan ready to make 500,000 batteries a year when demand is there originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteriesbatterybattery Capacitybattery productionbattery production capacitybattery production incentivesBatteryCapacityBatteryProductionBatteryProductionCapacityBatteryProductionIncentivescarlos ghosncarlos ghosn interviewcarlos ghosn nissanCarlosGhosnCarlosGhosnInterviewCarlosGhosnNissannissannissan electricnissan electric carnissan electric carsnissan electric leafnissan electric vehiclenissan evNissanElectricNissanElectricCarNissanElectricCarsNissanElectricLeafNissanElectricVehicleNissanEvSun, 01 Nov 2009 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan announces Leaf EV tour dates]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/nissan-announces-leaf-ev-tour-dates/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/nissan-announces-leaf-ev-tour-dates/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/nissan-announces-leaf-ev-tour-dates/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 Nissan Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan is continuing its "leadership on EVs" plans with an upcoming North American tour of the Nissan Leaf. The all-electric vehicle will make its debut on these shores in L.A. in about three weeks, on November 13. From there, the Leaf will head to the north, east and south hitting 22 cities in 11 states and the District of Columbia - and Vancouver, BC - by Valentine's Day, 2010. At each stop, Nissan will offer "interested drivers, media, civic partners, businesses and university students" a chance "to learn more about the Nissan LEAF and the benefits of zero-emission driving." See the complete schedule after the jump.

If Nissan wants to have the broadest impact in promoting EVs, we recommend that these tour stops include test drives. Let people get behind the wheel - the way Mitsubishi did with the i MiEV in New Zealand - and let the public experience the EV grin for themselves.


[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan announces Leaf EV tour dates

Nissan announces Leaf EV tour dates originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>leaf u.s.LeafU.s.nissannissan leafnissan leaf electricNissan LEAF EVNissanLeafNissanLeafElectricNissanLeafEvFri, 23 Oct 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Nissan's Ghosn rules out hybrid-only models like Toyota Prius, Honda Insight]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/report-nissans-ghosn-rules-out-hybrid-only-models-like-toyota/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/report-nissans-ghosn-rules-out-hybrid-only-models-like-toyota/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/report-nissans-ghosn-rules-out-hybrid-only-models-like-toyota/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn with Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Quick, think of a hybrid automobile. Got it? Are you thinking of the Toyota Prius? Pretty much everyone instantly recognizes the well-known profile of the Prius, and it's by far the most popular fuel miser on the market. A good bit of Toyota's success with the Prius has been attributed to its unique look - some owners want everyone to know that they care about their environmental footprint, and the Prius currently accomplishes that better than any of its competitors.

Honda followed a similar path with the second-generation Insight hatchback, which some believe follows the form of the Prius a little too closely. According to Nissan head Carlos Ghosn, though, there's no chance that Japan's number three automaker will join that club. Speaking to Automotive News at the Tokyo Motor Show, Ghosn said:
We are not intending to play a leadership role in hybrids. One company already assumed leadership in the technology. We want leadership on EVs.
Obviously, the company that leads in hybrids is Toyota, and Nissan's intention is to score a similar position in the world of pure electric automobiles. The opening salvo on that front will be the upcoming Nissan Leaf, which is slated to hit the market about a year from now, and the company has ambitious plans for its following act. We'll know if Ghosn's plan is successful or not, oh, about five years from now. Stay tuned.



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

REPORT: Nissan's Ghosn rules out hybrid-only models like Toyota Prius, Honda Insight originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Carlos Ghosncarlos ghosn nissanCarlosGhosnCarlosGhosnNissanElectric carelectric carselectric nissanelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricCarsElectricNissanElectricVehicleev leadershipEvLeadershipGhosnChryslernissannissan evNissan Leafnissan leaf electricNissan LEAF EVNissanEvNissanLeafNissanLeafElectricNissanLeafEvThu, 22 Oct 2009 18:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga hybrid arrives in Japan fall 2010, to U.S. in 2011]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/tokyo-2009-nissan-fuga-hybrid-arrives-in-japan-fall-2010-to-u/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/tokyo-2009-nissan-fuga-hybrid-arrives-in-japan-fall-2010-to-u/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/tokyo-2009-nissan-fuga-hybrid-arrives-in-japan-fall-2010-to-u/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Nissan Fuga Hybrid - click above for high-res image gallery
After several years of selling small volumes of its Altima sedan using Toyota's hybrid drive system, Nissan is finally ready to roll out its first gas-electric model using technology developed in-house. The first model to be so equipped will be the new Fuga sedan, a car sold in North America as the Infiniti M.

Unlike the electronic CVT systems used by Toyota, Ford and General Motors, Nissan has opted to configure their system using a conventional automatic transmission - in this case, a seven-speed unit. The electric drive is provided by a single motor sandwiched between the engine and the transmission. A pair of electronically controlled clutches sit on either side of the motor allowing the engine or the engine/motor combination to be completely de-coupled from the transmission.

According to Nissan, the motor has an output of 50 kW (67 horsepower) and 270 Nm (200 pound-feet) of torque and the system is able to propel the Fuga/M electrically at speeds of up 62 mph. The engine is a 3.5-liter version of Nissan's renowned VQ V6 modified to run with an Atkinson cycle for greater efficiency.

Koichi Hayasaki, senior manager of Nissan's hybrid program tells us that the final numbers on the engine output as well as the net combined output won't be released until sometime in 2010. As is the way these days, energy storage needs are handled by a lithium ion battery pack using the same kind of modules that are going into the LEAF EV.

The Infiniti M hybrid is expected to arrive in the U.S. sometime in 2011 as a 2012 model.



Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga hybrid arrives in Japan fall 2010, to U.S. in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingInfinitiInfiniti MInfinitiMinifinit m hybridInifinitMHybridnissannissan fuganissan fuga hybridNissanFugaNissanFugaHybridtokyotokyo 2009Tokyo Motor ShowTokyo2009TokyoAutoShowTokyoMotorShowWed, 21 Oct 2009 19:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Nissan confirms three EVs for production, including Infiniti]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/tokyo-2009-nissans-ghosn-confirms-three-evs-for-production-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/tokyo-2009-nissans-ghosn-confirms-three-evs-for-production-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/tokyo-2009-nissans-ghosn-confirms-three-evs-for-production-i/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn with Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're here at the Tokyo Motor Show, where CEO Carlos Ghosn has just confirmed that Nissan, Renault's Japanese alliance partner, will boast a lineup of at least three electric vehicles in the next few years - and a fourth vehicle is also possible. We already know about the Leaf hatchback (above) that was unveiled back in August. In addition, Nissan will build an electric version of the NV200 light commercial van that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. For the first time, Ghosn also confirmed that Infiniti will get a compact four-passenger sedan powered only by batteries.

No other information was available on this car, but Ghosn did say that it would be unveiled in the near future. In all likelihood, the Infiniti will be based on the Leaf platform that is designed for purely electric drive. The fourth model that is being considered for production is the Land Glider concept that was shown publicly for the first time here this morning.


Tokyo 2009: Nissan confirms three EVs for production, including Infiniti originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlos GhosnCarlosGhosnInfinitiinfiniti electric sedanInfinitiElectricSedannissannissan electricnissan electric carnissan electric carsnissan electric vehiclenissan evnissan evsNissanElectricNissanElectricCarNissanElectricCarsNissanElectricVehicleNissanEvNissanEvstokyotokyo 2009Tokyo Motor ShowTokyo Motor Show 2009Tokyo2009TokyoAutoShowTokyoMotorShowTokyoMotorShow2009Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:20:00 EST