Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[2011 Ford Fiesta priced from $13,320, special deal for reserving early]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2011-ford-fiesta-pricing-sedan-hatchback/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2011-ford-fiesta-pricing-sedan-hatchback/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2011-ford-fiesta-pricing-sedan-hatchback/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Surprisingly, Ford decided to slip out U.S. pricing for its hotly anticipated and genuinely fuel efficient 2011 Fiesta with no fanfare at all. No major announcements at the LA Auto Show, no wordy press releases... nothing. But, if you head on over to Ford's official page for the new Fiesta, you'll see that it starts at $13,320 (plus a $675 destination charge).

Even better, the full Build and Price section is available, meaning you can see each and every individual option and its price. We went ahead and spent some time perusing the options list, and we see that the low base price is for the base S model, which comes exclusively in sedan form. The least expensive hatchback model is $15,120 (about $800 more than a comparably-equipped sedan).

Step up to a hatchback with Ford's new six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and you're looking at $16,190, and the uprated SES hatchback starts at $17,120 ($18,190 with the auto). Click past the jump for more interesting little tidbits that we noticed when pricing out our own Fiestas, including what Ford is offering for reserving one early.


Continue reading 2011 Ford Fiesta priced from $13,320, special deal for reserving early

2011 Ford Fiesta priced from $13,320, special deal for reserving early originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Fiesta2011 fiesta price2011 ford fiesta2011 ford fiesta msrp2011Fiesta2011FiestaPrice2011FordFiesta2011FordFiestaMsrpfiestafiesta msrpfiesta pricefiesta pricingFiestaMsrpFiestaPriceFiestaPricingfordford fiestaford fiesta msrpford fiesta priceFordFiestaFordFiestaMsrpFordFiestaPriceThu, 03 Dec 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Upcoming U.S. VW sedan to be offered with diesel and hybrid powertrains]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/report-upcoming-u-s-vw-sedan-to-be-offered-with-diesel-and-hyb/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/report-upcoming-u-s-vw-sedan-to-be-offered-with-diesel-and-hyb/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/report-upcoming-u-s-vw-sedan-to-be-offered-with-diesel-and-hyb/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2011 Volkswagen NMS Sketch No. 2 - Click above to enlarge

According to a report from Autocar, Volkswagen's upcoming New Midsize Sedan will come with a hybrid option here in the States by the summer of 2012. That's just six months or so after the regular-grade NMS is scheduled to roll out of VW's new Chattanooga, Tenn. plant.

Up to this point, we've been assuming that the German automaker's fine 2.0-liter turbocharged four would be used as the base engine with a larger and more powerful V6 as an uplevel option, and that still seems likely. But, says Autocar, we may also see a version of the NMS with the 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine that's currently seen in the Jetta TDI.

No word on whether or not the TDI engine will be paired up with a hybrid - assuming, that is, that there's any truth to this rumor at all.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Upcoming U.S. VW sedan to be offered with diesel and hybrid powertrains originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hybridnew midsize sedanNewMidsizeSedanvolkswagenvolkswagen hybridvolkswagen new midsize sedanvolkswagen nmsvolkswagen sedanVolkswagenHybridVolkswagenNewMidsizeSedanVolkswagenNmsVolkswagenSedanvwvw hybridvw new midsize sedanvw nms sketchvw sedanVwHybridVwNewMidsizeSedanVwNmsSketchVwSedanThu, 03 Dec 2009 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Feds mull an extra three months to crush Cash For Clunkers victims]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/feds-mull-an-extra-three-months-to-crush-cash-for-clunkers-victi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/feds-mull-an-extra-three-months-to-crush-cash-for-clunkers-victi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/feds-mull-an-extra-three-months-to-crush-cash-for-clunkers-victi/#commentsFiled under: ,



What do you do with some 700,000 recently clunked cars? Send them to scrap heaps, naturally. According to the initial set of rules drafted when Cash for Clunkers was first launched, all those vehicles need to be processed properly, which includes removing most (if not all) of the good usable parts from each vehicle before sending the remaining hulk through crush and melt-down machines.

That's all well and good, except that these recycling yards were only allotted six months to make all those cars go away. Not surprisingly, that's not likely to happen, leading the American Recyclers Association to request another six months to do the duty. Considering that nearly three times as many cars were junked than initially planned, that doesn't seem unreasonable.

On Friday, November 27, the U.S. Transportation Department submitted a proposal to extend the recyclers an additional three months. Why not go the full 12 months, as requested? Apparently, the federal agency believes that extending the deadline that far would heighten the risk of fraud. In other words, clunked cars could end up back on the highway, even though the vehicles in question all had their engines killed in spectacular fashion.

Michael Wilson, executive vice president of the American Recyclers Association agrees, saying, "While we were seeking additional time, we understand there are some other factors involved. We believe this is a good compromise, one that will help the vast majority of our members in processing these vehicles."

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]

Feds mull an extra three months to crush Cash For Clunkers victims originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american recyclers associationAmericanRecyclersAssociationc4cCash for Clunkerscash for clunkers billCashForClunkersCashForClunkersBillclunkersrecyclerecyclersscrap carscrap carsScrapCarScrapCarsWed, 02 Dec 2009 19:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero Motorcycles throws hat into TTXGP road racing ring]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/zero-motorcycles-throws-hat-into-ttxgp-road-racing-ring/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/zero-motorcycles-throws-hat-into-ttxgp-road-racing-ring/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/zero-motorcycles-throws-hat-into-ttxgp-road-racing-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Zero S electric motorcycle - Click above for high-res image gallery

Although it sat out the inaugural TTXGP race this summer past (hey, they were busy making a bunch of new models, what do you want from them already?) Zero Motorcycles has announced they will enter the 2010 fray starting with the first race weekend at Infineon May 14-16. The bike that the California company will run is said to take its design cues from the Zero S (pictured above) and use the same Z-Force powertrain technology along with a new Z-Force Air Induction system that will help cool the motor.

As with many companies involved in motorsport, Zero hopes to use the competitive series to help drive its product innovation. They hint that the new cooling setup, for instance, will provide for higher performance on up-coming production models. The company is also lining up some strategic partners for the effort and expects to make some announcements shortly. While Zero Motorcycles has recently shown itself to be a potent competitor off-road, when the green flag finally starts waving next year they can expect to face a tough field, including a pair of entries from last year's winning Agni Motors team as well as machines from Brammo, MotoCzysz, Mission Motors, Electric Motorsport, and newcomers Swigz,com Racing (and others). Hit the jump for both the official press release and a bit of bonus clip of TTXGP founder Azhar Hussain trying out the Zero S last summer.

Gallery: Zero Motorcycles Zero S


[Source: Zero Motorcycles]

Continue reading Zero Motorcycles throws hat into TTXGP road racing ring

Zero Motorcycles throws hat into TTXGP road racing ring originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>TTXGPZ-Force Air InductionZ-forceAirInductionZero MotorcyclesZeroMotorcyclesWed, 02 Dec 2009 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Initial Chevy Volt launch will be in select U.S. markets only]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/report-initial-chevy-volt-launch-will-be-in-select-u-s-markets/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/report-initial-chevy-volt-launch-will-be-in-select-u-s-markets/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/report-initial-chevy-volt-launch-will-be-in-select-u-s-markets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

Undoubtedly, the Chevy Volt is one of the most hotly anticipated new model launches in Chevrolet's long and storied history, and it will likely be seen as a halo model of sorts for the entire General Motors lineup. As we saw first hand when we got the chance to slide behind the wheel of a preproduction Volt the other day, the car is well on its way to becoming a production reality, but actually getting the vehicle into the hands of customers will be another matter entirely.

According to a report from Automotive News, GM is currently in the process of selecting which markets will get first crack at the Volt when it finally goes on sale in just under one year's time. Chevrolet division President Brent Dewar said that the automaker is looking at a number of factors to determine those unannounced target markets, including the existence of an EV charging infrastructure and available tax credits. After this initial launch, the rest of the country's inhabitants will get its chance to see the USA in an electric Chevrolet.



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

REPORT: Initial Chevy Volt launch will be in select U.S. markets only originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVoltchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltchevy volt launchchevy volt productionChevyVoltChevyVoltLaunchChevyVoltProductionvoltWed, 02 Dec 2009 08:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai tops the list as the most fuel efficient automaker in the U.S.]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/hyundai-tops-the-list-as-the-most-fuel-efficient-automaker-in-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/hyundai-tops-the-list-as-the-most-fuel-efficient-automaker-in-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/hyundai-tops-the-list-as-the-most-fuel-efficient-automaker-in-th/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Quick - name the most fuel efficient car brand in America. Did you say Toyota? Honda? Surely, you're not alone, but incorrect all the same. In fact, the answer is none other than Hyundai, which publicly set out to nab the title just one year ago. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Hyundai cars averaged 30.1 miles per gallon for the 2009 model year.

Rounding out the top five are Honda (29.7 mpg), Volkswagen (29.6), Toyota (29.4) and Kia (28.0). Naturally, we can expect all of these figures to continue rising in the coming years as every automaker strives to meet the upcoming 35.5 mpg U.S. standard for the 2016 model year.

Hyundai promises to meet that requirement with such technologies as direct injection, turbocharging, hybrid powertrains and lithium polymer batteries. The Korean automaker's first hybrid vehicle will be the 2011 Sonata sedan, which will hit the market early next year. Click past the break for the press release.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai tops the list as the most fuel efficient automaker in the U.S.

Hyundai tops the list as the most fuel efficient automaker in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best fuel efficiencybest fuel mileageBestFuelEfficiencyBestFuelMileageepaepa fuel economyepa fuel efficientyepa fuel mileageEpaFuelEconomyEpaFuelEfficientyEpaFuelMileagefuel economyfuel economy standardsfuel efficiencyfuel efficientFuel Efficient VehiclesFuelEconomyFuelEconomyStandardsFuelEfficiencyFuelEfficientFuelEfficientVehicleshyundaimost fuel efficientmost fuel efficient automakerMostFuelEfficientMostFuelEfficientAutomakerTue, 01 Dec 2009 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Feds punt on E15 waiver decision, want to test ethanol's effect on more cars]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/feds-punt-on-e15-waiver-decision/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/feds-punt-on-e15-waiver-decision/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/feds-punt-on-e15-waiver-decision/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There is some ethanol in almost all of the gasoline sold in the U.S. Usually, this amount is no more than 10 percent of the total and, if it's more than that, it jumps all the way to 85 percent and is sold as E85. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was supposed to come down on one side or the other today of a possible increase across the board to 15 percent that Growth Energy and 54 ethanol manufacturers asked for, but instead announced that it needs more time.

The EPA has been looking at the E15 issue all year and investigating all sorts of issues, but there are a lot of moving parts in this sort of decision. Everyone from farmers and their subsidies to grow the corn used to make most of the ethanol sold today to car makers who have tuned their engines to run on E10 but not E15 want to have their say. The EPA has heard the comments, and now says that it needs more time to test E15 in vehicles. Right now, it thinks that any vehicle built after 2001 will burn E15 just fine, but there are a lot of older vehicles still on the road. Cash For Clunkers didn't get all of them off the road, after all. A decision is now expected in mid-June 2010.

The postponement was met with approval by the Alliance of Automobile Manufactures, which said they want more government testing "to prove that increasing the allowable ethanol blend limit will not harm vehicle emissions, performance, and durability." Read their full statement after the jump.

[Source: Reuters, Auto Allliance]

Continue reading Feds punt on E15 waiver decision, want to test ethanol's effect on more cars

Feds punt on E15 waiver decision, want to test ethanol's effect on more cars originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e10e15e85environmental protection agencyEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyepaethanolgrowth energyGrowthEnergyU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyU.s.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyTue, 01 Dec 2009 17:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Not-so-shocking admission: Zap kills Xebra, slows development of Alias]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/not-so-shocking-admission-zap-kills-xebra-slows-development-of/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/not-so-shocking-admission-zap-kills-xebra-slows-development-of/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/not-so-shocking-admission-zap-kills-xebra-slows-development-of/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Our sleuthing colleagues over at The Truth About Cars have dissected electric car maker Zap's latest 10-Q filing, and they unearthed the following little tidbit: "The decrease of $1.5 million (in revenue) is primarily due to the phase out of our three wheeled Xebra vehicle with reduced selling prices."

We can't say that we're particularly shocked that Zap has found it difficult to continue moving its little three-wheeled Xebra contraption, especially with discretionary spending money in such short supply these days and reasonably-priced hybrids flooding the used car market. Perhaps even more damning for Zap, though, is the admission that it is doing "less work on the development of the Alias prototype vehicle."

Whatever the future has in store for Zap in 2010 and beyond, one thing is for sure: there will be no shortage of press releases to let us all know what's (supposedly) going on behind closed doors.

[Source: TTAC]

Not-so-shocking admission: Zap kills Xebra, slows development of Alias originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingZAPzap aliaszap electric carszap electric vehiclezap evzap filingzap stockzap xebraZapAliasZapElectricCarsZapElectricVehicleZapEvZapFilingZapStockZapXebraMon, 30 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Will hydrogen breakthrough come in the form of a better battery? Maybe YESS!]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/will-hydrogen-breakthrough-come-in-the-form-of-a-better-battery/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/will-hydrogen-breakthrough-come-in-the-form-of-a-better-battery/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/will-hydrogen-breakthrough-come-in-the-form-of-a-better-battery/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Wouldn't it be ironic if hydrogen's role in future transportation is not derived from its use in a fuel cell but rather, in a battery. If a recent press release is to be believed then the forthcoming YESS battery (that's "Your Energy Storage Solution") from an outfit called ERRA Incorporated may provide that humorous twist of H2 fate.

It appears the company is planning on launching its own electric car and has decided to re-invent the battery, specifically the nickel hydrogen (NiH2) cell similar to those used in satellites for the past 40 years. They say they have "acquired all rights and patents to a breakthrough battery technology" whose properties are said to include the ability to charge in 15 minutes, be cycled thousands of times and require no maintenance. With a cost said to be similar to lead acid and an energy density equivalent to lithium ion, ERRA believes it has a battery that will "largely displace" other chemistries. If it does manage to successfully maneuver the path from press statement to actual product, be prepared to see the YESS debut in the chassis of a refurbished Solectria Sunrise (specifically, this one). Company CEO Jim Hogarth played a part in the development of that car through his role at Boston Edison in the '90s and has never forgotten its promise of better efficiency through the use of lightweight materials. That presentation may be sooner rather than later as it is being reported that the company could be ready for production within nine months. Hit the break for the press release in its entirety.


[Source: ERRA Inc./ VentureBeat / CleanTech / EV World]

Continue reading Will hydrogen breakthrough come in the form of a better battery? Maybe YESS!

Will hydrogen breakthrough come in the form of a better battery? Maybe YESS! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ERRA IncorporatedErraIncorporatedhydrogenJim HogarthJimHogarthnickel hydrogen batterynickel hydrogen NiH2NickelHydrogenBatteryNickelHydrogenNih2NiH2 batteryNih2BatterySolectria SunriseSolectriaSunriseMon, 30 Nov 2009 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumer Federation of America pushing CAFE to climb to 45 mpg by 2020]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/consumer-federation-of-america-pushing-cafe-to-climb-to-45-mpg-b/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/consumer-federation-of-america-pushing-cafe-to-climb-to-45-mpg-b/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/consumer-federation-of-america-pushing-cafe-to-climb-to-45-mpg-b/#commentsFiled under: , ,

America's CAFE standards will climb to 35.5 mpg (42 mpg for cars, 26 mpg for light trucks) by 2016, thanks to the Obama Administration declaring not long after taking power how conflicting national and state (well, California) standards would be turned into one set or rules. But what comes after 2016? The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) says that 45 mpg is the new black and is pushing Obama to look long-term. CFA also believes that the technology to reach a 45 mpg average is available and just needs to be put to use. CFA's director of research, Mark Cooper, said in a statement that:

There is no question that the EPA should take the lead in developing the next generation of standards for the sake of the consumer and the industry. NHTSA not only has statutory limits that prevent long-term planning, but they have a history of close alignment with the domestic car companies, whose current financial woes stem from a lack of fuel efficient vehicles. If they were not in such bad shape, NHTSA could have set the 2016 standard at more than 38 mpg.

Read the CFA's statement here (PDF). The Administration will decide on it's final rules in April, and we can expect a lot more voices to weigh in before then.

[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]

Consumer Federation of America pushing CAFE to climb to 45 mpg by 2020 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecafe standardsCafeStandardsConsumer Federation of AmericaConsumerFederationOfAmericaobamaObama AdministrationObamaAdministrationTue, 24 Nov 2009 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: CARB hid information about scientist in diesel emission rules fight]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-carb-hid-information-about-scientist-in-diesel-emission/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-carb-hid-information-about-scientist-in-diesel-emission/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-carb-hid-information-about-scientist-in-diesel-emission/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Strict regulations on diesel emissions that the California Air Resources Board approved in December 2008 are coming under renewed fire. At the time, members of the trucking industry and others complained that CARB was acting all Chicken Little and exaggerating how bad the diesel emissions were for human health. Since then, it turns out, one of the scientists involved in the study that detailed the negative health effects misrepresented his credentials. Instead of getting his Ph.D. in statistics from the University of California Davis, Hien Tran actually got a mail-order Ph.D. from a "university" based at a mailbox at a UPS office in New York City.

This is all according to the San Diego Union-Tribune, which also says that CARB knew about the misrepresentation before their vote to approve the diesel regulations but did not reveal the information. From the looks of it, those regulations may need to be dialed back because the legitimacy of the rule is in question, says board member John Telles. Thus far, CARB chair Mary Nichols (pictured) has not been willing to admit that there is a problem, but she may be forced to change her mind and let science beat secrecy.

[Source: San Diego Union-Tribune, The Bakersfield Californian]

REPORT: CARB hid information about scientist in diesel emission rules fight originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>California Air Resources BoardCaliforniaAirResourcesBoardcarbhien tranHienTranmary nicholsMaryNicholsTue, 24 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Feeling better? Vehicle miles traveled grow 2.5 percent]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/feeling-better-vehicle-miles-traveled-grow-2-5-percent/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/feeling-better-vehicle-miles-traveled-grow-2-5-percent/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/feeling-better-vehicle-miles-traveled-grow-2-5-percent/#commentsFiled under: ,



The estimated number of miles that all vehicles in the U.S. traveled (the VMT) grew by 2.5 percent in September 2009, the highest year-on-year monthly VMT uptick for 2009. The lowest number was negative 3.1%, recorded in January. Overall, for 2009, the number is up by +0.3% (6.7 billion vehicle miles). These numbers are based on the monthly Traffic Volume Trends report from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. Usually, the number climbs every year, but Americans drover a lot less in 2008, when gas prices shot up. Perhaps the recent VMT increase is signaling a slight boost in confidence, if Jim Motavalli's theory that the reason VMT continued to drop after gas prices went back down was because people are worried about the high cost of everything is correct.

[Source: US Federal Highway Administration via Green Car Congress]
Photo by exfordy. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Feeling better? Vehicle miles traveled grow 2.5 percent originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>vehicle miles traveledVehicleMilesTraveledvmtMon, 23 Nov 2009 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt to address America's school children in nationwide show-and-tell]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/chevy-volt-to-address-americas-school-children-in-nationwide-sh/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/chevy-volt-to-address-americas-school-children-in-nationwide-sh/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/chevy-volt-to-address-americas-school-children-in-nationwide-sh/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

On November 30th, hundreds of middle school students and teachers will assemble at the Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, along with untold thousands of their electronically-linked peers, to take part in a giant show-and-tell webcast featuring that upcoming electric car with the built-in range extender, the 2011 Chevy Volt. While none of the students are likely to buy a Volt (or any car, for that matter) when it becomes available next year, "Today's middle school students are tomorrow's leaders," according to GM, and so they feel it is important to educate the kids about the increasing role electricity will play in personal transportation.

The assembly, which is in support of the host school's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program, will listen and watch a presentation covering the basics of electricity and how it will transform the way we drive before taking part in a question and answer period. The appearance is only one of many that the Volt will be making while it's in town for the Los Angeles Auto Show. Official press release after the break.


Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Chevy Volt to address America's school children in nationwide show-and-tell

Chevy Volt to address America's school children in nationwide show-and-tell originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevy VoltChevyVoltHarvard-Westlake SchoolHarvard-westlakeSchoolshow-and-tellSTEMVoltMon, 23 Nov 2009 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai could still introduce clean diesel in America, under the right conditions]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/hyundai-could-still-introduce-clean-diesel-in-america-under-the/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/hyundai-could-still-introduce-clean-diesel-in-america-under-the/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/hyundai-could-still-introduce-clean-diesel-in-america-under-the/#commentsFiled under: , ,



At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, diesels were all the rage with a wide array automakers showing off compression ignition engines that were planned to meet U.S. emissions standards and go on sale here. Within months however, a combination of factors - rising diesel prices and the economic collapse foremost among them - led to many of those plans being canceled. One of the companies showing new diesels back then was Kia which, of course, is partnered with Hyundai. John Juriga, director of powertrains at the Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center (HATCI) near Ann Arbor told us that clean diesels were being tested there and we had previously been told expect diesels in the Kia Borrego and Hyundai Veracruz, possibly by 2009 or 2010. At this point, that's not happening.

However, that's not the end of the story for diesel Hyundais in the U.S. At a media briefing at HATCI on Friday to show off the new direct injected four cylinder that's going into the Sonata, Juriga brought up diesel when discussing the company's powertrain plans. Hyundai has diesel engines ranging from 1.1-3.0-liters everywhere else in the world but North America and the company is ready to certify to U.S. standards. According to Juriga, it's just a matter of having the right economic conditions. If and when vehicle sales look like they will return to a point when sales volumes can justify the cost of certification and fuel prices drive a demand for diesel, we could see it happen. Unfortunately, right now is not yet that time.

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai could still introduce clean diesel in America, under the right conditions originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselhatcihyundaihyundai america technical centerHyundaiAmericaTechnicalCenterjohn jurigaJohnJurigakiaMon, 23 Nov 2009 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Journo experiences Volt's electric-to-hybrid transition, says it needs improvement]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/journo-experiences-volts-electric-to-hybrid-transition-needs-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/journo-experiences-volts-electric-to-hybrid-transition-needs-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/journo-experiences-volts-electric-to-hybrid-transition-needs-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Chevrolet Volt pre-production IVER prototype - click above for high-res image gallery

We long ago had a chance to drive the Chevy Volt mule in all-electric mode, and more recently took a ride in the IVER (integration vehicle engineering release) version. We found the Volt's performance was rather impressive for a vehicle still under development. It was clear at that time that there was still room for improvement, though, and the question of how it would perform after the gas-powered generator kicked in remained unanswered since GM was not allowing anyone from outside the company to experience it. Would there be a sudden jolt of power during the transition or would it perhaps produce a howl reminiscent of the flying monkeys in the Wizard of Oz? Now it seems those questions are being addressed as GM has just started to allow media to drive the IVER and experience that change.

So how was it? According to Lindsay Brooke over at the New York Times, the initial moments, as the engine comes to life, are "inaudible and seamless." Very nice. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter the sound suddenly surged as the car became cognizant that its battery was lower than desired and attempted to quickly return to its preferred level by revving itself up. Clearly, there is still some refining to be done. The overall impression was extremely positive though, the regenerative braking in particular garnering some amount of praise. We look forward to soon gripping the wheel for ourselves and giving you our in-depth reaction. Thanks to wincros for the tip!


Gallery: Quck Ride: Pre-production Chevy Volt


[Source: New York Times]

Journo experiences Volt's electric-to-hybrid transition, says it needs improvement originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charge-sustaining modeCharge-sustainingModeChevy Voltchevy volt iver prototypeChevyVoltChevyVoltIverPrototypetest driveTestDriveVoltVolt IVERVoltIverFri, 20 Nov 2009 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Elk Horn, Iowa installs first electric car charging stations in new "Pony Express" lane]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/elk-horn-iowa-installs-first-electric-car-charging-stations-in/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/elk-horn-iowa-installs-first-electric-car-charging-stations-in/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/elk-horn-iowa-installs-first-electric-car-charging-stations-in/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Elk Horn, Iowa's website says it is located, "In the heart of Southwest Iowa's picturesque countryside." Google Maps shows just how remote the town is, so it is clear that to make this place a forward-thinking electric vehicle destination takes a bit of chutzpah. While most EV advocates and manufacturers see electric cars as urban runabouts for the near future, Elk Horn businessman Mike Howard thinks that it makes sense to build eight EV charging stations in town. Four - one is solar, the others are connected to the grid - are already installed and four more are coming soon. Howard told the AP that the stations are like some famous horse exchange locations from Western U.S. history, "This is a modern-day Pony Express," he said. Expanding out from Elk Horn, Howard wants to build more of the $6,000 stations along Highway 80 - all the way from Chicago to Denver. That's what we call ambition.

Currently, there are 96 EVs registered in Iowa, out of over 4 million total. At the very least, the one EV registered in Elk Horn - a converted Chevy S-10 - will never need to wait for an open outlet.

[Source: AP via Autopia]

Elk Horn, Iowa installs first electric car charging stations in new "Pony Express" lane originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iowaiowa electric carsIowaElectricCarsmike howardMikeHowardFri, 20 Nov 2009 19:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Ecos Motors Harbinger debuts in Vegas, now taking orders]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/ecos-motors-harbinger-debuts-in-vegas-now-taking-orders/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/ecos-motors-harbinger-debuts-in-vegas-now-taking-orders/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/ecos-motors-harbinger-debuts-in-vegas-now-taking-orders/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Electric Cars of Springfield (ECOS), taking full advantage of an invitation from duPont Registry, brought their recently constructed all-electric supercar to SEMA 2009. The bright orange Harbinger[TM] (photo above), with its Lamborghini-looks drew lots of attention with the likes of Diggity Dave stopping by for an extended chat. Its open scissor-door seemed to lure passing show professionals who used the two-seater as an impromptu posing podium (photo right).

Besides being a head-turner, the car also acted as a platform for a product from another Missouri company. EVInstruments had their customizable MiMod[TM]EV monitoring system with its touchscreen installed in the craft ready to provide potential drivers with GPS, stereo and wireless internet as well as real-time info on things like battery condition and power consumption.

Built on a German‐engineered aluminum frame and suspension system of undetermined origin, the Harbinger uses an 11" Netgain DC motor to get its bad self up to 60 mph in about 5 seconds before heading off to the electronically-imposed limit of 117 mph. Lurking beneath the composite body lies 30 kWh of lithium ion batteries said to be worth up to 150 miles of range. The social media-friendly (Facebook/Twitter) company hopes its beast will bewitch buyers into parting with $89,995 and is now accepting reservations for a limited production scheduled to start in February. ECOS got its start last year doing radical frame-off VW Beetle restoration conversions and sells electric-car components for the do-it-yourselfer. While all that might sound like enough to keep the young company busy, their website also has mention of another vehicle they hope to build next year. The ECOS Fun is a little Jeep-inspired affair that promises highway speeds and hundred-mile range for $24,995. Hit the jump for video of a little Harbinger-in-Vegas action.

[Source: ECOS Motors]

Continue reading Ecos Motors Harbinger debuts in Vegas, now taking orders

Ecos Motors Harbinger debuts in Vegas, now taking orders originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ECOSECOS FunECOS HarbingerECOS MotorsEcosFunEcosHarbingerEcosMotorsHarbingerSEMA 2009Sema2009Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:51:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S., China announce new Electric Vehicles Initiative]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/u-s-china-announce-new-electric-vehicles-initiative/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/u-s-china-announce-new-electric-vehicles-initiative/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/u-s-china-announce-new-electric-vehicles-initiative/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2009 BYD F3DM - Click above for high-res image gallery

You'll be forgiven if all you know about President Obama's recent trip to Asia was that he bowed (ZOMG!) to the Japanese Emperor, but we have to ask you to stop watching so much cable TV news. Things of substance happened during the trip, too, and one of them (hopefully) is a new Electric Vehicles Initiative that the U.S. and China will work together on.

The Initiative is made up of four main parts: joint standards for plugs, battery test protocols and the like; joint demonstrations to compare how plug-ins will be used in the two countries; a joint technical roadmap to plan out what research needs to be done and how it can be used to bring EVs to market; and working together to promote plug-ins. This last point means that the US-China Electric Vehicles Forum that took place in September will become an annual event, moving from the U.S. to China every other year. Read the official announcement after the jump or download the PDF here.

[Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Green Car Congress via Treehugger]

Continue reading U.S., China announce new Electric Vehicles Initiative

U.S., China announce new Electric Vehicles Initiative originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>china electric carchina evChinaElectricCarChinaEvobama chinaObamaChinaWed, 18 Nov 2009 17:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: Aptera production pushed back to 2010]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/officially-official-aptera-production-pushed-back-to-2010/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/officially-official-aptera-production-pushed-back-to-2010/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/officially-official-aptera-production-pushed-back-to-2010/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If anybody is still wondering whether Aptera, despite the recent commotion, will deliver one of their flightless wonders by Christmas, they can officially cease speculating. They're not, and the release date has now been pushed back to some undefined time in 2010. Hopefully, the delay won't be a full year as it was the last time they announced delivery postponement. According to the company, fund raising efforts didn't keep pace with vehicle development and so they're taking measures to slow the burn, as it were. One of those unfortunate actions involved laying off an unspecified number of employees, though one of them, co-founder Steve Fambro, has said he will resume his role next year. Addressing the situation he said:
Right now my advanced work is a lower priority for Aptera. We've got to be wholly focused on funding and getting the first 2e on the road. Paul's leadership and (chief engineer) Tom Reichenbach's talent have led to changes in the vehicle that are spot-on. They've made the vehicle safer, it's better handling and more comfortable. Once we get through this stage, we'll begin mass producing the 2e - the most aerodynamic and efficient vehicle in the world.
Sounds reasonable to us, and it's no doubt reassuring for patiently waiting customers to have official communication from the firm. However, one can't help but wonder why they didn't head this chaotic episode off at the pass by making this announcement in a more timely fashion. The emotional investment of nearly 4,000 reservation-holding fans might be just as important as seeking further financial investment. In any event, the official press release awaits after the break.

[Source: Aptera Motors]

Continue reading Officially Official: Aptera production pushed back to 2010

Officially Official: Aptera production pushed back to 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Aptera2010ApteraApteraAptera 2eAptera2ebreakingproduction delayProductionDelaySteve FambroSteveFambroWed, 18 Nov 2009 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[A.U.T.O. lobbyist Veronica Moss visits, hates the new Times Square [w/VIDEO]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/a-u-t-o-lobbyist-veronica-moss-visits-hates-the-new-times-squa/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/a-u-t-o-lobbyist-veronica-moss-visits-hates-the-new-times-squa/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/a-u-t-o-lobbyist-veronica-moss-visits-hates-the-new-times-squa/#commentsFiled under: ,


Veronica Moss in Times Square - Click above to watch the videos after the break

As a lobbyist for the Automobile Users Trade Organization (A.U.T.O.), Veronica Moss calls 'em like she sees 'em. She hates that there are not enough roads for cars, for example. Moss recently took a look at the "improved" Times Square and, well, she hates this, too. The place has been wiped clean of automobiles - or, close enough to it - and this just isn't fair to our four-wheeled bretheren. Time Square, after all, is the crossroads of the world, so where are the roads? It's enough to make her lobbyist self nearly panic. Watch it after the jump.

[Source: Streetfilms]

Continue reading A.U.T.O. lobbyist Veronica Moss visits, hates the new Times Square [w/VIDEO]

A.U.T.O. lobbyist Veronica Moss visits, hates the new Times Square [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a.u.t.o.Automobile Users Trade Organization AUTOAutomobileUsersTradeOrganizationAutoveronica mossVeronicaMossTue, 17 Nov 2009 13:03:00 EST