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Honda designers talk about EV concepts from Tokyo

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Honda, Tokyo Motor Show

Honda EV-N Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda made a pretty big splash at the Tokyo Motor Show a few weeks back by showing off a number of eco-friendly concepts, though many of them were decidedly short on actual details. The automaker finally seems ready to talk a bit about the EV-N, EV-Cub, EV-MONPAL and U3-X and how they fit into its vision for the future. According to the automaker:

The EV-Cub is a nimble, approachable motorcycle that invites people to enjoy riding on a daily basis. EV-N is a cute but very promising car that suggests the possibility of true friendship between person and automobile. EV-Monpal is a helpful and friendly vehicle that assists people with special needs. The U3-X operates in harmony with people and suggests a future full of wonder. Designed to be enjoyable to ride, pleasant just to have around and easy to imagine in the scenes of one's life, these products create a picture of a future that's bright, and are kind both to people and to the environment.

Sounds all warm and fuzzy, no? We happen to be particularly fond of the cute-as-a-button EV-N and the EV-Cub, which takes Honda's original nonthreatening two-wheeler and readies it for duty in today's environmentally-conscious society. Click here for the full story from Honda.

[Source: Honda]

Honda designers talk about EV concepts from Tokyo originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Yamaha EC-f channels Xbox, blurs definitions

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Tokyo Motor Show

Yamaha EC-f - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's certainly not a motorcycle, and we'd have a tough time convincing ourselves that it's a scooter, too. Regardless, we think the Yamaha EC-f, which is currently on display at the Tokyo Motor Show, sports a distinctive look and plenty of cool features. According to Yamaha, the lack of "exhaust parts" is what inspired its "bold" and "sculptural" design.

Sadly, there isn't much in the way of actual hard data about the conceptual electric scooter, other than the fact that it sports some sort of lithium ion battery pack and .6 kW (just under one horsepower) of power from its electric motor. So, a speed demon the EC-f is not - we'd guess it should be able to maintain moped-like velocities of about 30 miles per hour.

Take a look at our image gallery of live photos of the green and white Xbox-esque Yamaha EC-f in from Tokyo below. Also note just how much more sinister the EC-fs looks in its silver and black scheme. As much as we'd love to see something this interesting in production... well, don't count on it.

Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

Tokyo 2009: Yamaha EC-f channels Xbox, blurs definitions originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Toyota Prius claims Japan Car of the Year title

Drew Phillips — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota, Tokyo Motor Show, Japan

Thirty years of the Japan Car of the Year - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the past 30 years, Japan has declared a car of the year, an award given to newly-released or redesigned vehicles released from November 1st of the previous year to October 1st of the current year. More than 60 jurors composed of Japanese journalists receive an allocation of votes, and the car with the most votes comes away with the crown.

This year, the Toyota Prius narrowly edged out the Honda Insight, continuing the recent trend of environmentally-friendly winners. Other notable winners included the new Volkswagen Golf, which was named the Import Car of the Year, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which was declared to have the Most Advanced Technology. The Nissan Fairlady Z won the category of Most Fun, and finally the Subaru Legacy took top honors for Best Value.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the award, the Tokyo Motor Show also organized a display of past winners, starting with the Mazda Familia 3-door Hatch Back in 1980-1981 and finishing with last year's winner, the Toyota IQ. We've included the winners from every year (some cars on display won alternate categories, like the Toyota Supra from 1993-1994) in the high-res gallery below.

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

Tokyo 2009: Toyota Prius claims Japan Car of the Year title originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Honda rolls out the EV-Cub, we pray for a production model

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Honda, On Two Wheels, Tokyo Motor Show

Honda EV-Cub Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

You meet the greenest people on a Honda. Well, maybe not quite yet... but the World's Largest Motorcycle Manufacturer has signaled its intent to usher in a new era of electrically-powered two-wheelers, and a modern-day Cub seems like an excellent way to do just that.

Honda is showing a conceptual electric Cub as we speak at the Tokyo Motor Show, but strangely isn't letting out very much information about the machine. We know there's an electric motor powering each wheel and some kind of battery pack sitting in between somewhere in the frame rails, but that's about it.

Regardless of how little we know about the EV-Cub, it's a concept we wholeheartedly approve of. We're big fans of the original gas-powered 50cc model, which has been known to return well over 200 miles per gallon in daily use, and a thoroughly modern drivetrain seems like a fitting way to inject some new life into the old Cub. See our high-res image gallery of live shots below.

Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Tokyo 2009: Honda rolls out the EV-Cub, we pray for a production model originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-EV II concept

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:13:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Toyota, Tokyo Motor Show

Toyota FT-EV II concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota revealed their latest plug-in electric concept car here in Tokyo as the FT-EV II. This one is a followup to the iQ-based FT-EV that we saw in Detroit but appears to be a ground-up design that takes advantage of the electric drive architecture. The iQ is promoted as a 3+1 layout because the presence of the steering column and instrument cluster force the driver's seat to be further back limiting the already small rear seat behind it.

The new concept uses a complete fly-by-wire system with joystick-like controls that feature a steam-punk design motif. The result is wide open space in the front and the very thin shell seats result in decent room. The car also has sliding doors on both sides. It's not known if this concept represents a design direction for an urban BEV that Toyota will likely build to meet ZEV mandates in the next five years, but it would make sense to do a custom design.

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-EV II concept originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Swift plug-in hybrid

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Suzuki, Tokyo Motor Show

Suzuki Swift PHEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Beside the SX4 FCV on display at the Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki is showing off a plug-in hybrid version of the Swift. The Swift PHEV concept pairs a 660 cc engine to a set of li-ion batteries that live between the front seats and send energy to a 54 kW motor that powers the front wheels. With Suzuki's strong place in the Japanese market - and considering all of the make and model badges that the Swift has worn over the years - seeing a plug-in powertrain in this little car could portend good things.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Swift PHEV

Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Swift plug-in hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Suzuki SX4-FCV takes a break from testing

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Hydrogen, Suzuki, Tokyo Motor Show

Suzuki SX4 Fuel Cell Vehicle - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Suzuki SX4-FCV (Fuel-Cell Vehicle) isn't a new vehicle - they've been used for testing on Japanese streets since last year - but the colors and stickers on the model on display at the Tokyo Motor Show meant we needed to get some fresh pics to share with you. Under the new look, the SX4 FCV is the same as before, with an 80 kW hydrogen fuel cell stack from GM and a high-pressure 70 MPa (10,000 psi) hydrogen storage tank. The car reportedly can go up to 75 mph and has a 155-mile range using a 68 kW electric motor and a lightweight capacitor. The capacitor is used to not only regulate the flow of electrons to the wheels but also to retain energy collected from the regenerative brakes on the SX4 FCV. Suzuki says it wants to commercialize the technology someday, but for now is happy with the "ongoing development."

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Suzuki SX4-FCV

Tokyo 2009: Suzuki SX4-FCV takes a break from testing originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: We sample Honda's quirky U3-X, stride management assist and bodyweight assist devices

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Transportation Alternatives, Honda, Tokyo Motor Show, First Drive

Jim Kenzie of the Toronto Star tries out the U3-X - click above for high res-image gallery

If there is one thing people love, it's personal mobility. After all, what other species regularly harness other creatures for the sole purpose of getting around. The auto industry is all about personal mobility. Since the dawn of the car in the late 19th century, it has been adopted world-wide as one of the preferred means of getting around.

Mobility, of course, is about a lot more than just driving. Just moving around is important and when people find themselves unable to move or having difficulty, It plays havoc with the psyche. As populations in many countries get older, reduced mobility is an increasing problem. A number of automakers are researching ways to expand mobility beyond the automobile and the result is projects like GM's Puma and Toyota's Winglet. Honda, too, is studying the problem and while we were in Japan for the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda took us to their R&D center to check out a few of their recent projects. Read on for a first hand account of what we saw.

Gallery: Honda mobility devices

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: We sample Honda's quirky U3-X, stride management assist and bodyweight assist devices

Tokyo 2009: We sample Honda's quirky U3-X, stride management assist and bodyweight assist devices originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CEO: People will embrace fuel cells when they realize battery limits

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hydrogen, Honda, Tokyo Motor Show

Here at the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda introduced its first plug-in vehicle concept in many years in the shape of the EV-N. However, during the press conference, new CEO Takanobu Ito shared the main stage with only two cars, the FCX Clarity and the new CR-Z concept. The EV-N and a plug-in Cub scooter were off on a smaller side stage. During a Q&A session with media this evening, Ito explained the company's strategy on electric vehicles.

According to Ito, who assumed the top post at the company last June, hydrogen fuel cells are still the best long term strategy for vehicles. The only reason Honda is developing a plug-in vehicle right now is to meet California zero-emission vehicle mandates coming up in about five years. Because there appears to be little movement on establishing additional hydrogen filling stations in the U.S. right now, the company would be unable to meet the standards with a fuel cell vehicle. Thus a small urban commuter BEV is the best option for the short term.

Asked what it would take to get a hydrogen filling network going, especially with a current administration that is openly hostile, Ito responded "I wish I knew" but that hydrogen must be promoted to governments and "we must be patient." He went on to say that while batteries are evolving, he didn't believe they would ever get to a stage where their performance would be acceptable as the primary energy carrier. Instead he said that "people would become more aware of the limits of BEVs" and come back to hydrogen fuel cells.

[Source: Honda]

Honda CEO: People will embrace fuel cells when they realize battery limits originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga hybrid arrives in Japan fall 2010, to U.S. in 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:39:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Infiniti, Nissan, Tokyo Motor Show

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.

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Tokyo 2009: Honda CR-Z coming to America next fall with six-speed manual!

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:50:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Honda, Tokyo Motor Show

Honda CR-Z concept 2009 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda fans of all sorts have cause to celebrate today with the reveal of the 2009 iteration of the CR-Z coupe. In typical Honda fashion, this CR-Z remains a concept in name and detail only. What you see here is essentially the production coupe that will go on sale in Japan next February and then arrive in North America in the Fall.

The cool scoop-like grille from the original 2007 concept has been largely carried over, with the biggest changes being a somewhat taller roof and a more upright windshield with blacked out A-pillars - concessions to the fact that real people will have to fit into the production car. On the exterior, the only elements likely to change once it hits the assembly line are the side mirrors, which will probably be a bit larger, along with the internals of the light clusters.

The good news for fans of the much-loved 1983-1991 Civic CR-X is that the CR-Z should have significantly better performance than the disappointing new Insight, a car that is geared more toward fuel economy than performance. In any case, the CR-Z coupe gets a bump in displacement up to 1.5-liter and - wait for it - a six-speed manual gearbox! This will be the first hybrid with a row-it-yourself six-speed.

Unfortunately, we probably won't hear any official numbers on the drivetrain's output or its mileage until closer to the Japanese launch, but color us excited - and you can share some of our joy by checking out the high-res image gallery below.

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Honda CR-Z coming to America next fall with six-speed manual!

Tokyo 2009: Honda CR-Z coming to America next fall with six-speed manual! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Honda EV-N concept combines future drive with retro style

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Honda, Tokyo Motor Show

Honda EV-N concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Honda's new CEO, Takanobu Ito, started off his tenure at the head of the company today by unveiling a new plug-in battery electric concept. The EV-N showcar hides its futuristic electron pumping powertrain in a decidedly retro bodystyle thanks to a design reminiscent of the subcompact 600N of the Sixties.

Honda has yet to reveal much in the way of technical details about the diminutive hatch, but we do know it uses lithium-ion batteries and the electric motor drives the front wheels. The car can be started with a fob called the Loop that incorporates a display showing the battery pack's state of charge.

Not enough pint-size fun for you? Each of the EV-N's doors features a pocket that holds one of Honda's gyro controlled, omnidirectional U3-X unicycles.

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Tokyo 2009: Honda EV-N concept combines future drive with retro style originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: hybrid-only, Japan-only Toyota Sai unveiled

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:48:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota, Tokyo Motor Show

As expected, Toyota has taken the wraps off of its new dedicated hybrid model, the Sai. The Sai medium-sized hybrid will only be sold in Japan, starting in early December (a bit later than expected). Toyota says that the Sai shows how committed the company is to expanding its hybrid technology. Compared to the Prius, the Sai is bigger, uses a larger engine (2.4 liters compared to 1.8) and costs more. The Sai will start at around $37,500, whereas the Prius base model is around $22,000 in Japan. The Sai also gets great fuel economy of about 54 mpg (U.S.) on the optimistic Japanese cycle.

While the Sai is a bit more in most regards than the Prius, it is a bit below another hybrid in the Toyota family. The Sai shares some structure and looks with the Lexus HS 250h, but costs less.

Toyota hopes to sell 3,000 Sai units per month. There's a video (in Japanese and Danish) after the jump. Stay tuned for more pictures from Tokyo. Thanks to Dan F. for the tip!

[Source: ABC News, JPtv]

Tokyo 2009: hybrid-only, Japan-only Toyota Sai unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV shows its more conventional face

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:07:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Mitsubishi, Tokyo Motor Show

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi has put its plug-in hybrid Concept PX-MiEV crossover concept on a pedestal here at the Tokyo Motor Show, touting the CUV's "environmental and on-road performance," as well as its serial and parallel modes and wireless charging capabilities.

The crossover's design language represents another refinement for Mitsubishi, and although it's markedly less provocative than the newly re-shnozzed 2010 Outlander, it presents a pleasing collection of shapes and could point the way for a future iteration of the softroader. Inside is typical concept car fare for "linking man and car interactively" - which means it's far too cool for us to actually get on the road - but hey, where else are you going to find a cocochi interior with a yoke-style steering wheel?

The real story here is arguably the drivetrain, where Mitsu has combined a 1.6-liter gas engine and a hybrid system with lithium-ion batteries.

In any case, you can check out the PR info after the jump, and visuals in the gallery of high-res images below.

Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV shows its more conventional face

Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV shows its more conventional face originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Nissan confirms three EVs for production, including Infiniti

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:20:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan, Tokyo Motor Show

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.

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REPORT: Honda considering electric car launch in major markets, CEO says

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Honda, Tokyo Motor Show, Europe/EU, Japan, USA

Honda EV-N Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hybrids and fuel cells. That's where Honda seems to have put the vast majority of its engineering resources over the last decade or so, first with the two-seat Insight - the first hybrid sold here in the States, beating the much more successful Toyota Prius to market by a few months - and later the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle. According to company CEO Takanobu Ito, though, a new wind may be blowing into a town near you, and it's electric.

While the Japanese automaker sees hydrogen as the real solution to our dependence on petroleum, the fact that it's taking so long for a real hydrogen infrastructure to be built up around the world means that Honda is considering launching a fully electric automobile in major markets in Europe, Japan and the United States. Whether or not it will look anything like the EV-N concept from the Tokyo Motor Show remains to be seen... but we're hoping.

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Honda considering electric car launch in major markets, CEO says originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Preview: Honda to show off all-electric Cub

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Honda, On Two Wheels, Tokyo Motor Show

Honda EV-Cub concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda's little Cub motorbike has been nothing if not successful for the Japanese company, with literally tens of millions of the fuel-efficient small-bore machines have rolling out of Honda factories all around the world. Perhaps, then, it's time for Honda to refine the formula that turned the Cub into such a success story? And if so, what should power the next Cub?

We know that Honda is investigating electric motorcycle technology with plans to launch its first such machine before 2011, so it's not terribly surprising to see the motorcycle manufacturer showing off an electric version of the Cub at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Details are decidedly scarce, but it appears there may be electric hub motors powering both the front and rear wheels. Honda will also be showing off solar panels that are capable of charging the batteries of the electric vehicles on display.

Gallery: Honda EV-Cub Concept

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Tokyo Preview: Honda to show off all-electric Cub

Tokyo Preview: Honda to show off all-electric Cub originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Nissan Land Glider could come to the States as an Infiniti

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan, On Two Wheels, Tokyo Motor Show, Green Daily

Nissan Land Glider Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Concept cars tend to push the boundaries of what is and isn't possible with a four-wheeled vehicle. Such is the case with the Nissan Land Glider, which is going on display this week at the Tokyo Motor Show. Usually, such far-out-there concepts make the auto show circuit before being abandoned somewhere in the corner of a dark, dingy warehouse, but perhaps not this one.

The machine is sort of a cross between a motorcycle and a car, with an enclosed cabin and four wheels along with a glass canopy and rider compartment that leans into turns for added stability - which is of utmost importance in a car that measures just 47-inches across.

According to Automotive News (sub. req'd), there are some inside the Japanese automaker that suggest the fully electric car could slot into the company's upmarket Infiniti lineup, possibly even making it to the United States. If that happens, the Land Glider may be a single-seater, as the concept's single rear passenger perch may not make it through safety testing.

We'd be pretty surprised to see a production Infiniti Land Glider that keeps the concept's unique layout, but it certainly wouldn't be the only strange-looking eco-friendly automobile to hit the market. We'll see.

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

REPORT: Nissan Land Glider could come to the States as an Infiniti originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mitsubishi considering plug-in powertrain for next Evolution?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Mitsubishi, Tokyo Motor Show

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mitsubishi PX-MiEV, which will get its official debut this week at the Tokyo Motor Show, may be a harbinger of exciting things to come if there's any truth at all to a report from Autocar indicating that the concept's unique hybrid powertrain may see production in the next-generation Evolution XI.

There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of evidence that this may be the case, other than the fact that the concept vehicle uses a similar all-wheel drive system as the current Evolution X. In any case, the PX-MiEV features an electric motor powering the rear wheels along with a hybridized engine and motor combination up front that can either power the front wheels or recharge the battery pack.

Plus, there's the obligatory plug that will allow the car to be charged off the grid, and a full battery pack would result in a 30-mile EV range. We're not so sure that this is the direction the Japanese automaker will take for its next performance halo car, but we'd certainly be interested to see the technology in action.

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Mitsubishi considering plug-in powertrain for next Evolution? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Subaru planning to revive SVX with coupe version of Hybrid Tourer

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:06:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Subaru, Tokyo Motor Show

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Might Subaru's Hybrid Tourer concept point the way forward to a revival of the iconoclastic SVX from the Nineties? According to AutoExpress, that's a definite maybe. The British motoring mag suggests that the conceptual Hybrid Tourer that's just about to get its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show is a harbinger for a range-topping luxury performance coupe from the Japanese automaker.

If true (and we're not exactly holding our breath), the new coupe would slot well above the expected rear-wheel drive coupe that will share its underpinnings with the upcoming Toyota FT-86, possibly selling for twice the price of its lesser sibling. A turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine would provide motivation, though a hybrid model with a drivetrain similar to that of the Tokyo-bound concept may also be possible.

Gallery: Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rumormill: Subaru planning to revive SVX with coupe version of Hybrid Tourer originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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