AutoblogGreen

Australia university researchers more than double EV battery capacity

Danny King — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:53:00 EST

When your country boasts a fairly desolate area called the "Outback" that's about 1,800 miles wide, driving range is paramount. Researchers at Australia's University of Wollongong appear to have that in mind as they develop an electric-vehicle battery that can provide more than twice the single-charge range of a typical lithium ion battery. That may not quite equal 1,800 miles, but it's getting closer.

The school's Institute for Superconducting & Electronic Materials (ISEM) came up with a way to both extend driving range and shorten charging time by using a Germanium-based nanomaterial that can boost energy storage more than fivefold compared to typical lithium-ion batteries, Australia's Illawarra Mercury reports. As a result, an EV battery can be modified to provide about 240 miles of single-charge range while cutting its full recharge time down to a few minutes. This doesn't mean they are just creating a big honking 85-kWh pack like what's in the Tesla Model S (and can already go 300 miles), just so you know.

The University, which is about 50 miles southwest of Sydney, says it's working with DLG Battery Corp. and Redarc Electronics for potential commercialization of such a product.

Australia university researchers more than double EV battery capacity originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 09 May 2013 19:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Leaf gets big price drop, like $15,000 big, in Australia

Danny King — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:57:00 EST

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

A few months and one hemisphere later, Nissan has gotten around to cutting the price of its all-electric Leaf in Australia.

The Japanese automaker has reduced the Leaf price down under to $39,990 AUD (US $40,700), or about $15,000 AUD less than it was charging when the model debuted in Australia last July, according to the Daily Telegraph. At that price, the Leaf will cost about $3,000 AUD more than the Toyota Prius hybrid and about $20,000 AUD less than General Motors' Holden Volt extended-range plug-in. Apparently, only 116 people in Australia bought a Leaf when it cost $51,500.

Around the world, Nissan has been dropping Leaf prices, thanks to building the car on three continents now (in Japan, the US and the UK). In the UK, Nissan cut the price of the Leaf by by 2,500 British pounds to just 23,490 pounds ($37,115). In January, the company reduced the price of the US Leaf by $6,400 to a base of $28,800. In part because of the lower sticker price, US Leaf sales have more than doubled through April from the same time frame a year earlier, to 5,476 units.

Nissan Leaf gets big price drop, like $15,000 big, in Australia originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 07 May 2013 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Giant kite, Evonic technologies help Wind Explorer EV cross Australia

Jon LeSage — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Pacific Region

Turns out, you can drive a unique electric vehicle all the way across Australia on less than $15 worth of electricity. You just need some kite assistance (or, yes, solar power). The Wind Explorer that made this trek is now on display at Evonik's New Jersey office, since the company worked on the quirky EV.

The 3,000-mile trip was piloted by German extreme sportsmen Dirk Gion and Stefan Simmerer. The car is powered by a lithium-ion battery from Evonik's Litarion electrodes and Separion ceramic seperators. These technologies are exclusively manufactured by Evonik and allow its battery cells to store energy generated from a portable wind turbine. The Wind Explorer also used large, steerable kites to cover hundreds of miles in crosswinds during its test run Down Under.

The Wind Explorer's high energy efficiency also comes from lightweight materials and a rubber formulation that reduces the rolling resistance of its tires. The electric car was constructed from Evonik's Rohacell sandwich carbon fiber, which reduced the body weight and makes travel by kite that much easier. The Wind Explorer is capable of generating enough energy to move 175 to 225 miles a day, powered by its onboard wind turbine. "The technologies in the Wind Explorer are examples of how our products can improve the resource-efficiency of automobiles," Tom Bates, president of Evonik, said in a press release (available below).

While we won't see kite-cars on the roads, some of the technologies in the Wind Explorer could find their way to production vehicles. Evonik has been working with Daimler for the past five years on a joint venture to produce li-ion batteries for Daimler's hybrids and EVs.

Continue reading Giant kite, Evonic technologies help Wind Explorer EV cross Australia

Giant kite, Evonic technologies help Wind Explorer EV cross Australia originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault's Australian EV launch delayed by Better Place issues

Danny King — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:54:00 EST

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

Better Place continues to be a bit of a misnomer as issues with the electric-vehicle battery-switching network have delayed Renault's plans to debut its Fluence Z.E. electric vehicle in Australia, Car Advice reports.

Renault, whose EV is designed to allow for battery swapping, was originally slated to debut Down Under by June 2012, is delaying sales because Better Place's network of battery-switching stations were not ready on time. Delays in Better Place's infrastructure in Israel and Denmark are pushing back the Australia dates. A Better Place spokeswoman admitted to Car Advice that Better Place's original deadlines were "ambitious."

As a result, the Renault will start sales in Canberra, its first Australian market, in mid-2013 and will be distributed across Australia by the following year. The Fluence Z.E. is said to have a single-charge range of about 115 miles.

In October, Better Place founder Shai Agassi was pushed out by the company's board of directors and replaced by Evan Thornley, who had been CEO of Better Place Australia. Earlier this month, the Israeli business publication Globes reported that Better Place may fire as many as 200 workers, many of which work on the company's software.

Better Place has been estimated to have lost about $437 million since being founded in 2007. In November, the company announced it would attempt to sell about $100 million in company equity.

Renault's Australian EV launch delayed by Better Place issues originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Catavolt brings electric motorcycle battle to Australian streets [w/video]

Domenick Yoney — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 12:02:00 EST

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

The Catavolt team has been developing its unique electric motorcycle drivetrain whilst duking it out on racetracks Down Under in the eFX/TTXGP championship for the past couple years. Now, they are bringing the battle to the Australian streets, announcing that the first Catavolt S6 street bike has found a home.

Like the track-going version, the S6 is based on the Daelim VJF250. The space where the gasoline-burning bits used to sit is now home to a 6.2-kWh battery and the motivating force - a single high torque motor from Enertrac - is located in the hub of the rear wheel, eliminating any need for chains and sprockets. Instead of a clutch, the bike uses the left lever to initiate regenerative braking.

This configuration offers a top speed of 120 km/h (75 miles per hour) and a range of 150 km (93 miles). As with all range estimates for electric vehicles (especially motorcycles), real world range will vary with speed and terrain. If that's not enough performance, Catavolt also offers the DU6 sport version, which uses the same dual-motor setup as the race machine and has upgraded suspension to help deal with the increased unsprung rear-wheel weight. That variant has, of course, improved acceleration and tops out at 160 km/h (100 mph).

As well as raw speed, the need for more range can also be addressed. The company offers an optional 6 kWh battery pack that comes in a pair of removable panniers and doubles the distance one can wander. Prices start at $18,000 Australian dollars ($18,860 US at today's rates) for the base model. Scroll down for video to see the S6 in action and meet the first owner. As a bonus, we've also thrown in footage of the race bike laying down a nice practice lap at Daytona International Speedway.

Continue reading Catavolt brings electric motorcycle battle to Australian streets [w/video]

Catavolt brings electric motorcycle battle to Australian streets [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus will unveil hybrid sports coupe Down Under

Danny King — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Lexus, Pacific Region

Add another model to the list of hybrids with north of 400 horsepower.

The Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) has announced that Lexus will unveil a hybrid supercoupe at the show in October, as Toyota's luxury badge joins the list of automakers looking to make more high-powered hybrid vehicles.

AIMS didn't reveal much about the model, though it notes that the coupe will display "a striking balance of new and traditional designs." Green Car Reports adds that the model will be all-wheel-drive and will have about 500 horsepower.

Lexus showed off its LF-LC 2+2 coupe concept at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Continue reading Lexus will unveil hybrid sports coupe Down Under

Lexus will unveil hybrid sports coupe Down Under originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All-electric Holden sets 'unofficial' 24-hour record with 1,172 miles

Danny King — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 20:08:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, GM, Pacific Region, Holden

G'day, mate. And a mighty long one.

A battery-electric Holden Commodore set what its builders say is an unofficial record for miles driven purely on electric power over the course of 24 hours.

Australia-based EV Engineering said that the Holden (the brand is General Motors' Australian division) traveled 1,172 miles in 24 hours using a smaller version of the battery-switching system that Better Place is using in Israel and Denmark. The powertrain of the Commodore, which has about a 100-mile single-charge range, was built by UQM Technologies. EV Engineering is a collaborative venture that includes companies like Bosch and General Electric in addition to Better Place. Its goal is to "develop a proof of concept Australian electric vehicle."

Various automaking entities appear to be trying to get publicity by announcing distance records for certain EVs. In June, Renault said it got a battery-powered Zoe to go almost 1,000 miles in a single day.

All-electric Holden sets 'unofficial' 24-hour record with 1,172 miles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Leaf goes on sale in Australia for a cool $52,000

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 13:59:00 EST

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

A year-and-a-half after it came to the U.S. and Japan, the Nissan Leaf is finally available in Australia, and at quite a price. Available now at 13 Nissan dealers across Australia, the all-electric car will cost $51,500 Australian dollars ($52,400 U.S. at today's exchange rates). Yowza.

Even though Nissan says they are key to having electric cars succeed, there are no government incentives to bring the price down in Australia. In January 2011, the Australian government cancelled the Cleaner Car Rebate Scheme, saying it would instead use the $429.7 million ($437.4 million) to help rebuild infrastructure that had been damaged by catastrophic floods that hit Queensland in December 2010. Nonetheless, the Leaf has - or will have - some plug-in company Down Under, including the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, the Holden Volt (the rebadged Chevrolet) and the Renault Fluence Z.E. When the 2011 i-MiEV went on sale, it cost over $63,000 ($64,129), but that fell to $48,800 ($49,675) last fall.

As is true in other markets, Nissan says the Leaf is just the first plug-in car it will sell in Australia. Nissan has been planning for the Leaf launch since at least last summer, working with Coulomb to install some DC fast chargers. Inside EVs reports that Nissan Australia home charging partner, Origin, will install Level 2 chargers for around $2,800 ($2,850). Starting July 1, Australians will also be paying a carbon tax on electricity of around 10 percent.

Continue reading Nissan Leaf goes on sale in Australia for a cool $52,000

Nissan Leaf goes on sale in Australia for a cool $52,000 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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