AutoblogGreen

Chevy Volt escapes the zombie horde

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 21 May 2012 19:50:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, Pacific Region, Videos

Did you know the Chevrolet Volt can outrun a gaggle of slow-rambling zombies? Did you know that even in an apocalyptic wasteland, beautiful women will drive freshly washed cars? These are two of the messages in a new ad (of sorts) for the plug-in hybrid that was created by Josh Soskin for the Mofilm Barcelona 2012 Video Contest.

The spot, viewable below, makes an odd case against gas anxiety (for lack of a better word) by showing a mid-1980's Mazda 323 running out of gas, which then allows a brain-hungry zombie horde from catching up. The deus ex machina turns out to be a Volt, which carries our heroes to safety. The big question: does that Volt include zombie-killing shotguns, hung from a gun rack?

Now, a fully charged, fully refueled Volt can go around 375 miles. If these guys really want to go the distance, what they really need is a good hypermiler and/or a diesel car (1,600+ miles!). Or, if the gasoline supply has been damaged, how about a solar-powered long-distance vehicle, something like the Solar Taxi. But that's applying logic to what's supposed to be a commercial, which is always a losing experiment. The ad is still kind of funny. Watch it here, and you can see the contest's runners-up here.

Continue reading Chevy Volt escapes the zombie horde

Chevy Volt escapes the zombie horde originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 21 May 2012 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Taiwan plans battery swapping stations and free-use electric motorcycles

Domenick Yoney — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, On Two Wheels, Pacific Region

Think of it as Better Place lite. The Taiwan government and utility companies have plans to help build 60 battery swapping stations for electric motorcycles - and by "electric motorcycles," they mean either electric scooters and/or electric motorcycles - and make 600 of the two-wheelers available to use for free. (Yes, free!) Of course, to take advantage of the situation, one would have to live in either New Taipei City on the north end of the island-country or in Kaohsiung City in the south, as each of those lucky cities will be getting 30 stations apiece. The program should spread to other cities in the future.

The initiative is meant to provide infrastructural support for 5,000 bikes and is being supported by funding from Taiwan's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who created the Electric Motorcycle Battery Swapping System Subsidy Regulations (known locally as 電動機車電池交換系統補助辦法) last summer. Meant to make battery swapping as easy as filling up with gasoline and reduce maintenance worries, the program makes a maximum of NT$1.5 million ($49,430 at today's rates) available for each station installation.

While the hope is that the program will accelerate the change from internal combustion bikes to electric ones and reduce pollution, the task ahead certainly looms large. Taiwan has over 14 million registered machines on its busy streets.

Taiwan plans battery swapping stations and free-use electric motorcycles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Varley gets specific about evR450 electric supercar

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Pacific Region

To mark the 125th Anniversary of Varley Electric Vehicles, the Australian company shifted from its long history of golf-cart-like utility vehicles to something completely different: the evR450 electric supercar. The car was revealed at the end of October at the Australian Electric Vehicle Conference but now we've got a few more details about the car (PDF), including something called the "Tritium Wavesculptor" motor controllers, which the company calls "a worldclass on board computer system that enables the evR to achieve ultimate efficiency." The car uses electric motors from Ultramotive Technologies and draws power from a 24-kWh lithium ion battery.

The evR450, which Varley says is "coming soon," offers 0-62 miles per hour in just 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 180 kph (112 mph). The sports car has a stated range or 160 kilometers (100 miles) and charges up in eight hours.

Varley also offers the almost-identical evS450 model, which is not as quick (0-62 in 4.6 seconds) and has a lower top speed (160 kmh, or 100 mph). The range is the same but this one has a specific date set for when orders will be taken: January 2012. Both cars are designed and built in Australia. Find more information in our original post, at the company website or on Facebook.

Varley gets specific about evR450 electric supercar originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM considering a plug-in Chevy Cruze

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, Pacific Region

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco is rated at 42 mpg on the highway, but new reports suggest that we may soon find out just how many MPGe a plug-in version would get.

Australia's Go Auto spoke with GM's Jim Federico, who said that a PHEV Cruze is indeed in the cards. Astute readers will note that PHEV is not a typo here. Federico said:

The Volt will always be a plug-in electric vehicle. Plug-in Cruze doesn't make Volt redundant at all. Plug-in Cruze would have a different powertrain. Plug-in hybrids use both the engine and motor all the time. The plug-in Cruze has a place and it will be a hybrid.

For most drivers, this is a distinction without a difference, but remember that there was this, this and, finally, this. That GM is looking to expand its line-up of electrified vehicles is no surprise. In fact, that's always been the plan. A plug-in Cruze makes a sort of sense, since the Volt powertrain was tested in Cruze mules. Perhaps the Volt was more of a learning project than we originally suspected. Whether a PHEV Cruze is something GM is only considering for Australia or for other markets will, we're sure, be the subject of much speculation in the future.

GM considering a plug-in Chevy Cruze originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michel Motorsports Gitano debuts with EVDrive range-extended craziness

Domenick Yoney — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, SEMA Show, Pacific Region, UK, USA

Michel Motorsports has chosen the SEMA 2011 convention to debut the Gitano, its first original design effort. The Filipino company has spent its first 23 years building replicas of classic sportscars, and that history has clearly influenced this rear-wheel-drive coupe. But lift the long hood and underneath you'll find a beating heart unlike anything found in its faux-Lotus Sevens - a 150 kW (200 horsepower) electric motor with sundry supporting components. If that sounds somewhat underwhelming, consider that it can pump out 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque continuously from 0 to 5,000 RPM. Good times, yes?

But wait, there's more! Open the trunk and you'll find a 25 kW (34.53 hp) range-extending rotary engine ready to take you 250 additional miles past the 100-mile all-electric range. About the size of a spare tire and able to burn a number of combustible fuels, it runs at its peak efficiency to pump energy back into the battery pack during those long distance drives.

The power plants and their associated bits come courtesy of EVDrive. This outing represents their first foray into the commercial market as well, after spending the past few years developing their secret sauciness. AutoblogGreen actually covered their original electric dirt bike project back in 2008.

In addition to the system in the Gitano, the San Diego-based firm also has on display an all-electric version that's specifically engineered to be used in conversions of BWM E46 series vehicles. They say it should be available in the 2nd quarter of 2012 and be the first of a whole family of modular systems with outputs ranging from 65 to 1,000-plus hp.

As for the Gitano itself, there's no word yet on the pricetag or when it is expected to begin rolling out the door. The first examples will be constructed in Britain and die-hard petrolheads will be pleased to learn that the electric drivetrain isn't the only available option. The company says it can offer offer a variant powered by an LS-series gen IV V8 capable of 430 hp and 424 lb-ft of torque.

Continue reading Michel Motorsports Gitano debuts with EVDrive range-extended craziness

Michel Motorsports Gitano debuts with EVDrive range-extended craziness originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokai University wins 1,860-mile World Solar Challenge for second year in a row

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:38:00 EST

Filed under: Solar, Pacific Region, Racing

Fro the second year in a row, Tokai University can lay claim to the winner's laurels in the 2011 Veolia World Solar Challenge, a sun-powered race challenge in Australia that winds over 1,800 miles between Darwin and Adelaide using only 5 kWh of on-board energy and the rest beamed in directly from the sun. As the race's website says, "These are arguably the most efficient electric vehicles."

According to the provisional results (so called because they are subject to protests from any of the teams, even though this is known as a "friendly competition"), seven teams managed to go the entire 2,998 kilometer (1,862 miles) but Tokai came out on top because their average speed - 91.54 kilometers an hour (56.88 miles per hour) - was faster than any other finisher. The Tokai's final time was 32 hours and 45 minutes. The fact that only seven teams finished out of a starting list of 37 shows that this is not an easy race, and this year was particularly difficult thanks to brush fires (set by arsonists) along the route. The team that came in last, Green Maniac from Korea, only managed to travel 73 kilometers.

Tokai University wins 1,860-mile World Solar Challenge for second year in a row originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Varley evR450 revealed at Australia Electric Vehicle Conference

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:53:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Pacific Region

The Varley evR450 is the absolute antithesis of everything the company behind it has done to date. You see, Varley Electric Vehicles has been producing utilitarian battery-powered machines for quite some time now. If you're in Australia and need a hard-working tug for for an airport or factory, this is the company you'd likely call. Now, if you desire a head-turning, Maserati MC12-like pluggable, you can call them for that too.

Rolled out at the 3rd annual Australian Electric Vehicle Conference, the bright yellow, butterfly-doored electric sportscar is designed to dash from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 miles per hour) in 3.8 seconds and top out at 200 km/h (124.3 mph). The base package should have a range of 150 km (93.21 miles) and cost less than $AU 200,000 ($213,200 U.S. at today's rates). The company says it will also offer a 300-km (186.4 mile) battery option.

Varley is still working out a few engineering details and isn't yet allowing anyone to drive or even take a photos under the hood yet - it says that it will officially launch the evR450 in January. Sales expectations for the low-carbon coupe are quite modest with the company happy to let "interest dictate volume".

While we wait for the privately-held company to release more details about their obverse offering, you are cordially invited to speculate in the comments sections below about why they are building this type of vehicle. You can also find the official press release waiting after the break.

Continue reading Varley evR450 revealed at Australia Electric Vehicle Conference

Varley evR450 revealed at Australia Electric Vehicle Conference originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Arcspeed Sports roadster puts the wind in your hair, ties your kangaroo down

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Pacific Region

With 522 Nm (385 pound-feet) of torque available in an instant, and a super low-cut ~~windshield~~ bug deflector, the newly-revealed Arcspeed Sports is an all-electric that seems ready to bring an extreme roadster experience to the low-carbon, high-performance party. By that we mean that when you push the power pedal down and silently scream your way up to 60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds, the open-to-the-elements cockpit should communicate the sense of speed in a way no targa top, or even convertible, can.

Proudly Australian, the Sports boasts a body, drivetrain and electronic controls conceived and constructed in its native land. Generous souls that they are, the company says it plans to build both left and right-hand drive versions and anticipates a fair amount of international demand given the performance and a price said to be "less than half the price of other currently available electric sports cars." Given that the best known vehicle in that category cost over $200,000 in the land down under, we assume Arcspeed will be asking for an amount slightly North of $100,0000, though we'd be happy to learn we are jumping to expensive conclusions.

The topless transporter relies on a closely-monitored, temperature-controlled lithium phosphate battery pack located in its floor to provide up to 150 kilometers (93 miles) of open-air excitement before it needs to be plugged in again. There is an option to double that range with extra packs, though the company does warn that the extra weight would also result in a decrease in its other performance abilities. Charging for the standard pack comes in about four hours from flat to full, given a proper 220-volt feed.

To learn more and get a better look at this latest addition to the all-electric stable, hit the jump for video of the Arcspeed Sports roadster in action, along with the official press release.

Continue reading Arcspeed Sports roadster puts the wind in your hair, ties your kangaroo down

Arcspeed Sports roadster puts the wind in your hair, ties your kangaroo down originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Australia charges up for 2012 Leaf launch

Eric Loveday — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan, Pacific Region

2011 Nissan Leaf - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan Australia has moved one step closer to the 2012 Australian launch of the Leaf by inking a deal with Coulomb Techologies. Nissan, working in conjunction with Coulomb, has installed three ChargePoint stations (two CT2000 Level II and one CT500 Level II) at its Australian headquarters in Dandenong. Initially, the trio of chargers will be used by Nissan employees to juice up Leafs used for demonstration purposes. Coulomb claims the three charging stations are the first-ever Level II units installed in Australia.

Additionally, Nissan has shipped 16 Leafs to Australia to participate in the Victorian government's five-year electric vehicle trail. The Leafs will be part of a pilot project that's designed to test the feasibility of plug-in vehicles in Australia and to assess the nation's charging infrastructure needs. Obviously, three Level II chargers won't be nearly enough, but at least it's a first step in the right direction.

Photos copyright Damon Lavrinc / AOL

[Source: The Motor Report]

Nissan Australia charges up for 2012 Leaf launch originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi lops $15,000 off price of 2012 i-MiEV in Australia

Eric Loveday — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, Pacific Region

Mitsubishi i-MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi Motors Australia has announced the price of its 2012 i-MiEV and it's a shocker. At $48,800 Australian ($51,444 U.S. at the current exchange rate), the 2012 i-MiEV is $14,977 less than the outgoing 2011 model. Now that's one heck of a discount (some simple math shows that the discount is 22.5 percent).

The 2012 i-MiEV will launch in Australia this August. When it does, it will be available for outright purchase, unlike the A$63,000 ($66,421 U.S.), three-year-lease-only 2011 model. Despite the drop in price, the 2012 i-MiEV features some additional items, including side and curtain airbags and electronic stability control. Mitsubishi says massive inquiries about the 2012 i-MiEV prompted the automaker to release details months ahead of launch in Australia.

Gallery: Mitsubishi iMiEV production model

[Source: Ward's Auto - sub. req.]

Mitsubishi lops $15,000 off price of 2012 i-MiEV in Australia originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 04 Jul 2011 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault Fluence Z.E. headed to Australia in late 2012

Eric Loveday — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Renault, Pacific Region

Renault Fluence Z.E. - Click above for high-res image gallery

Renault announced today that its upcoming, battery swap-capable electric sedan, the Fluence Z.E., will be sold in Australia by the end of 2012. The Fluence Z.E. is expected to sold in Australia under terms that are similar to those offered to buyers in France, Israel and Denmark, meaning that the electric sedan will be sold at one price and its battery packed will be leased separate of the vehicle.

Loosely based on the Renault Megane hatchback, the Fluence Z.E. electric sedan reportedly will be priced "similar" to comparable gasoline-fueled vehicles. This, according to The Age, suggests that the Fluence Z.E. will have an MSRP of approximately $30,000 ($31,566 U.S. at the current exchange rate) in Australia. However, that price excludes monthly battery lease fees of around $100. Even with those fees added in, Renault Australia managing director, Justin Hocevar, confidently says that, "The Fluence Z.E. is proof that electric vehicles can be practical, feasible and, as we will detail closer to launch, eminently affordable." Hat tip to Dan!

Gallery: Challenge Bibendum 2011 Renault Fluence ZE and Kangoo ZE

Photos by Sebastian Blanco / Copyright (C)2011 AOL

[Source: The Age, Renault]

Continue reading Renault Fluence Z.E. headed to Australia in late 2012

Renault Fluence Z.E. headed to Australia in late 2012 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Awesome Deliver-E trike is an electrified postal dream machine

Eric Loveday — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 09:50:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Pacific Region

Since the 1980s, the Australia Post has counted on the Honda CT110 to deliver letters across the continent. Simon Williams thinks it's about time for a change.

Williams, who invented the Deliver-E (say it out loud), thinks he's created the trike to replace the CT110 as Australia's "Postie Bike." With a pair of electric motors propelling the Deliver-E trike to to a top speed of 50 miles per hour and the ability to run for 40 miles on a full charge, inventor, he might be right. Williams believes that the Deliver-E's stability, off-road ability, standard reverse gear and safety makes its far superior to the now-infamous CT110.

The Deliver-E's pivoting rear swing arms allow the trike to tackle small obstacles with ease and lessen the impact felt when hitting potholes. Williams says that the swingarms help the bike carve through corners and hop curbs.

There is one little problem before the Deliver-E brings postal goodness to people across Australia: money. To that end, Williams is looking to secure funding to turn his electrified postal machine into something more than just a dream.

[Source: Gizmag]

Awesome Deliver-E trike is an electrified postal dream machine originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TTXGP and FIM may hold "joint rounds" and a "unifying" final

Domenick Yoney — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Europe/EU, Pacific Region, USA, Racing

The TTXGP and FIM ePower electric motorcycle racing series have both announced their 2011 calenders. Along with an amazing assortment of venues comes news the two organizations may be holding "joint rounds," including a "unifying" season-ending final. This means teams from both series will be competing together on the same track while earning points towards their respective championships. We believe the end goal is to combine the two and form a single super-electric series in 2012.

So far, the two common locations on their 2011 schedules are Donington Park in Britain on the weekend of the 20th of August and LeMans in France in late September. American fans hoping to see teams from both series mixing it up on this side of the Atlantic should also have their hopes realized, possibly in July, at a track yet to be announced.

Click on past the break to see both the TTXGP and FIM e-Power calenders. Additions and confirmations are still forthcoming, so be careful about making travel plans right now. Preceding the schedules, we have posted the statement regarding collaboration that accompanied each organization's announcement.

[Source: TTXGP / FIM e-Power]

Continue reading TTXGP and FIM may hold "joint rounds" and a "unifying" final

TTXGP and FIM may hold "joint rounds" and a "unifying" final originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Team Catavolt takes aim at land speed record with 200 mph hopes

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:08:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Pacific Region, Racing

Team Catavolt's LSR Daelin - Click above to watch video after the jump

Before Team Catavolt gears up to go road racing in the TTXGP/eFX series, they have a date with the salty stretches of Australia's Lake Gairdner where they will attempt to set a land speed record. Again.

Last year, the team raised the Aussie electric motorcycle high-speed bar to 177 km/h (110 miles per hour) with a bike sporting a single 60 kW (80.46 horsepower) motor. At this year's upcoming Speed Week 2011, the team will be running its road-racing bound Daelin with rider Jake Dolan working the handle bars. Instead of a hub motor though, it will be fitted with four 45 kW (60.35 hp) motors attached to the swingarm to provide enough power for what they hope will be a 200 mph (322 km/h) dash.

If the team hits that mark, it will have set a world record. To get an idea of what the scene should look like, hit the jump for video from last year's run. Then imagine going about twice as fast. To get a better look at their crazy motor set-up, check out the gallery below.

Gallery: Team Catavolt LSR Daelin

[Source: Team Catavolt]

Continue reading Team Catavolt takes aim at land speed record with 200 mph hopes

Team Catavolt takes aim at land speed record with 200 mph hopes originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automakers urge Australian government to reinstate Green Car Innovation Fund

Eric Loveday — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, MPG, Legislation and Policy, Pacific Region

Toyota Style Australia-designed HC-CV concept vehicle - Click above for high-res image gallery

On January 27th 2011, Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the closure of the $506-million Green Car Innovation Fund (GCIF). The cancellation was part of Australia's numerous measures enacted to support the rebuilding of infrastructure damaged by the series of catastrophic floods that hit Queensland beginning in December of 2010.

Australia's automakers have stepped up their push to have the GCIF reinstated. In a letter to Prime Minister Gillard, automakers have accused the government of breaching written contracts by abruptly canceling the GCIF.

General Motors Holden division, Toyota Australia and Ford Australia have banded together to demand that the Labor government take action on the matter immediately. The automakers argue that investments to construct engine production facilities and manufacturing plants within Australia have already been made on the basis that funding, from the GCIF, would cover a portion of the costs. However, the cancellation of the program, which was only enacted after automakers agreed to sign long-term "letters of commitment," could put all retooling efforts on hold.

Gallery: Melbourne 2009: Toyota HC-CV

[Source: Ward's Auto - sub. req.]

Automakers urge Australian government to reinstate Green Car Innovation Fund originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shell chooses oil over whales, threatening Western Pacific Gray

Domenick Yoney — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Green Daily, Pacific Region

"Pesky whales. They just have to have their feeding grounds right where we want to put another oil platform. Well, too bad for them."

That would seem to be the attitude over at the Sakhalin Energy Investment Company offices, of which Shell is the largest partner after Russia's Gazprom. The whales in question are of the critically endangered Western North Pacific gray variety, genetically distinct from the more prolific Eastern type. Thought to number just 130 individuals in all, the group's future is dependent on just 30 breeding females as well as the feeding grounds off of the Sakhalin Islands where they bulk up on crustaceans prior to traveling to their breeding area.

Unfortunately for the whales, those shallow waters are also the location Shell and its buddies want to build a new oil platform to complement two others in the area. This despite their own reports that state that the spot is not suitable, since the clay in the earthquake-prone seabed is unstable and the existing platforms preclude the need for a third (PDF).

A painful insult of seismic surveys will be conducted this summer to establish the exact coordinates for the injurious platform. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) will monitor the situation as it unfolds but it appears no one is able or willing to stop the construction plan. We look forward to the day when oil companies become extinct. (And yes, we know the quote in the picture should be attributed to a dolphin. Deal with it.)

[Source: WWF | Source Image: marlin harms - C.C. License 2.0 ]

Continue reading Shell chooses oil over whales, threatening Western Pacific Gray

Shell chooses oil over whales, threatening Western Pacific Gray originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EnerTrac hub motors Catavolt into electric motorcycle racing big time

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Pacific Region, Racing

Australia's Team Catavolt have lofted their slouch hats into the eFX / TTXGP electric motorcycle road racing ring in an intriguing announcement. Not only is the move a radical change from their usual land-speed-records-on-salt-flats activity, the EnerTrac Corp. motor for this new racing machine is somewhat radically located in the hub of the back wheel.

Electric wheel hub motors have most successfully been integrated into bicycles and the tech worked well enough for Vectrix to use in their maxi-scooter, but an electric race bike? While we're sure there are no end to naysayers - not enough top end speed, handling deficit due to unsprung mass, etcetera - signed up for three races, the team will certainly have ample opportunity to answer critics with results. Hopefully good ones.

The bike chassis they seem to be adapting (if clues left on their FaceBook page are to be believed) is the Korean steel-framed Daelim VJF250. Of course, with no motor in the way, the team should have plenty of space to hold a battery pack and controller. The motor in its stock configuration quietly (very quietly) boasts 10 kW of continuous power with a 30 kW peak and has seen customer's conversions reach speeds of 84.5 miles per hour (136 km/h). The example in the Catavolt entry is likely to be beefed up a bit.

Even without wins, the eFX / TTXGP participation seems a no-lose proposition for EnerTrac, giving their DIY conversion product world-wide exposure. Besides this race bike, the motor has found its way into motocross bikes, a batteried bobber and a tilting tricycle.

[Source: EnerTrac Corporation]

Continue reading EnerTrac hub motors Catavolt into electric motorcycle racing big time

EnerTrac hub motors Catavolt into electric motorcycle racing big time originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tesla Roadster 2.5 arrives in Australia; pricing starts at $206,188

Eric Loveday — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors, Pacific Region

Tesla Roadster 2.5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nearly a year ago, electric automaker Tesla announced plans to offer its battery-powered Roadster in the Australian market and the Roadster 2.5 has finally arrived on the Aussie mainland. That's the good news. The bad news? It's available for purchase at a price of $206,188 ($205,022 U.S. at the current exchange rate), plus on-road costs. That's quite a bit higher than the U.S. version (which starts at $109,000)

Last Saturday, the Roadster 2.5 was displayed at First Fleet Park in Sydney, Australia, but interested buyers may have difficulty arranging a test drive. Tesla hasn't established a dealership network in Australia and, while the automaker plans to eventually open up shop in Sydney, orders, at least for now, can only be placed by contacting Tesla directly. However, Tesla has detailed its "house call approach" for servicing the Australian-bound Roadsters. The automaker will employ a team of "Tesla Rangers" who will travel to customers' homes and offices to perform tasks like annual inspections and firmware upgrades. If you reside in Australia and have anxiously awaited the Roadster's arrival, then check out Tesla's site to discover more. Hat tip to AussieEVfan!

Gallery: 2011 Tesla Roadster 2.5

[Source: Car Advice, Tesla Motors]

Continue reading Tesla Roadster 2.5 arrives in Australia; pricing starts at $206,188

Tesla Roadster 2.5 arrives in Australia; pricing starts at $206,188 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sunswift IV sets solar-powered vehicle speed record

Eric Loveday — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Solar, Pacific Region

Late last week, the Australian-built solar racer, Sunswift IV, officially captured the title of the world's fastest solar-powered vehicle. Designed by the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the Sunswift IV - known as IVy - smashed the previous record of 79 kilometers per hour (49 miles per hour) by posting a 54.7 mph run. A UNSW spokesman said there could be another record set soon: "We've beaten the record by 10 km/h (per hour) - it reached a speed of 88 km/h - and we think we can get it over 90 km/h."

Powered solely by silicon solar cells that capture energy from the sun, the IVy, driven by Barton Mawer, hit the pavement at the HMAS Albatross naval base at Nowra on New South Wales' southern coast. At its record-setting speed, the IVy cranks out approximately 1,200 watts of energy. In a race back in 2009, the IVy hit a top speed of 103 km/h (64 mph), but that run was unofficial and, therefore, not logged in the record books.

[Source: What's on Ningbo, Sunswift]

Sunswift IV sets solar-powered vehicle speed record originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eFX Championship to bring TTXGP electric motorcycle racing to Australian tracks and televisions

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 08:45:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Pacific Region, Racing

Crikey! The eFX Championship is bringing electric motorcycle racing to Australia in 2011. The love child of the TTXGP and the Australian FX-Superbike Championship, the new series will adopt existing TTXGP rules and also feature the original class as well as the new TTX75 class. Like the other regional championships, the winners will have the opportunity to compete in the TTXGP World Series Final.

The action starts on the last weekend of April at Wakefield Park Raceway in New South Wales with a "test session." If you're lucky enough to be in Australia and can't make it to a race, you'll be able to watch them - including the World Series Final - on the free-to-air SBS Speedweek as well as the Fox cable network. We know there are a lot of electric racing fans Down Under and look forward to seeing the teams that emerge to take part. Hit the jump for the official press release and schedule.

[Source: TTXGP | Source Image: Steve Shattuck - C.C. License 2.0]

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eFX Championship to bring TTXGP electric motorcycle racing to Australian tracks and televisions originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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