AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/green.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Official: Sunswift Eve is a solar car for everyone, maybe [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/sunswift-eve-is-a-solar-car-for-everyone-maybe-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/sunswift-eve-is-a-solar-car-for-everyone-maybe-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/sunswift-eve-is-a-solar-car-for-everyone-maybe-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sunswift Eve

Sydney's University of New South Wales Sunswift team has worked on a number of solar-powered cars in the past, enough that they call themselves "Australia's premier solar car racing team." The team is headed in a new direction now, though, with the Eve, which dispenses with the ultra-efficient design meant to win races and instead moves a bit into "normal" car territory.

Project director Sam Paterson said in a statement that the Eve is intended to be more mainstream. "This year's vehicle, unlike some of our previous models, has four wheels, doors and is designed to be safer and more practical. It departs from the typical spaceship design of most solar cars and looks like an actual car," he said.

Actual performance details for the Eve are not yet available, but we expect we'll hear more when the car is officially unveiled on August 9th. If you're in Australia, or want to go, you can get tickets to the event through the crowdfunding site Pozible, where the team is collecting pledges to try and build the Eve. The team set a $20,000 (Australian) goal and is currently sitting at $15,390. For added geekiness, the Pozible page is full of Eve-centric memes.

The Sunswift team is made up of students from a variety of courses at UNSW (engineering, business, science and industrial design are the examples listed) and has been going since 1995. The Sunswift Eve is the team's fifth-generation solar powered supercar.

Since the official Sunswift website loads sloooowly and causes an "unresponsive script" for some of the Autoblog team, we recommend connecting with UNSW over on their Facebook page. A short (30-second) video of the Sunswift Eve being unloaded is available below.

Continue reading Sunswift Eve is a solar car for everyone, maybe [w/video]

Sunswift Eve is a solar car for everyone, maybe [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclesolarsunswiftsunswift eveunswWed, 19 Jun 2013 18:29:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20628130/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20628130/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/19/sunswift-eve-is-a-solar-car-for-everyone-maybe-w-video/20628130/article-detail.xml 20628130 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/sunswift-eve-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/sunswift-eve-628.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Denza EV coming to big dealerships in China]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/denza-ev-coming-to-big-dealerships-in-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/denza-ev-coming-to-big-dealerships-in-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/denza-ev-coming-to-big-dealerships-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Electric cars might soon be easier to acquire in China.

The Denza electric car, built by a 50-50 joint venture between Daimler and BYD Co., may be sold through one of China's largest dealer groups. The holding company, Shenzen BYD Daimler New Technology Co., plans to announce its alliance with Zhongsheng Group Holdings, which would add Denza dealers in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen by the end of July.

BYD has been selling its B6 electric car under its own brand and the joint venture announced in April that it expects to begin deliveries of its first Denzas in mid-2014. Under the joint-venture agreement, Daimler is providing knowledge in EV architecture and safety, and BYD is bringing batteries and the e-drive system to the Denza EV.

The dealership alliance is a step forward for BYD Daimler. The two automakers joined forces in 2010. The companies plan a lineup of EVs under the Denza brand, starting with the E6 built on the platform from the first-generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class.

Like other parts of the world, sales of EVs in China have been slow, even with government incentives. Yet, the competition is growing. SAIC Motor Corp., China's largest automaker, launched its Roewe E50 electric car in November and SAIC will be rolling out other EVs with its foreign partners.

China's third-largest automotive group, Donfeng Motors, has been through fits and starts bringing its Fengshen E30 EV (a localized Nissan Leaf) to market. It will be competing directly with the Roewe E50. The race is on.

Denza EV coming to big dealerships in China originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bydchinadaimlerdenzaelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesevWed, 19 Jun 2013 16:28:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20627214/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20627214/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/19/denza-ev-coming-to-big-dealerships-in-china/20627214/article-detail.xml 20627214 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/denza-electric-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/denza-electric-car.jpg <![CDATA[Official: Nissan's green-brand image takes a leap thanks to Leaf]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/nissan-green-brand-image-takes-a-leap-thanks-to-leaf/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/nissan-green-brand-image-takes-a-leap-thanks-to-leaf/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/nissan-green-brand-image-takes-a-leap-thanks-to-leaf/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nissan Leaf EV

When it comes to green branding, Nissan went downright General Lee this year, vaulting over a host of companies - jumping 16 spots - to reach No. 5 in Interbrand's annual "Best Global Green Brands" survey.

Increased sales for the all-electric Leaf, high safety ratings for the battery electric and Nissan's recent partnership with Ford and Daimler on the development of hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain technology all helped boost Nissan's image among the environmental set. Of course, the Interbrand list was topped by car companies. Toyota, Ford and Honda finished 1-2-3 among green-brand rankings, followed up by Panasonic and then Nissan.

Having cut the Leaf's price earlier this year, Nissan through May almost tripled sales from a year earlier to 7,614 units. Check out Interbrand's write-up here and watch Nissan's video on the subject below.

Continue reading Nissan's green-brand image takes a leap thanks to Leaf

Nissan's green-brand image takes a leap thanks to Leaf originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclegreeninterbrandnissannissan leafWed, 19 Jun 2013 14:47:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20626811/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20626811/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/19/nissan-green-brand-image-takes-a-leap-thanks-to-leaf/20626811/article-detail.xml 20626811 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/nissanleaf_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/nissanleaf.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Watch Porsche's 918 Spyder break a sweat while hot weather testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/watch-porsches-918-spyder-break-a-sweat-while-hot-weather-testi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/watch-porsches-918-spyder-break-a-sweat-while-hot-weather-testi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/watch-porsches-918-spyder-break-a-sweat-while-hot-weather-testi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



With five months left until the 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder enters production, Porsche engineers are still putting the hybrid sports coupe through a battery of last-minute tests. To give us new reasons to ogle over the car - as if we needed any more - Porsche has released a short video showing the 918 Spyder undergoing shakedown tests in the hot Nevada desert. And you can't drive through Nevada without visiting Vegas, too, right?

Although there's really nothing new to see in this video, it's still fun to watch as Porsche approaches one million test miles logged on this exciting new high-performance model. One interesting part (at around the 0:37 mark) shows the car taking off under electric power and then transitioning to engine power, which results in a mix of whirs and growls as the 918 Spyder switches from a 127-horsepower electric vehicle to an 887-hp hybrid supercar. Scroll down to watch - and hear - Porsche's latest creation in motion.

Continue reading Watch Porsche's 918 Spyder break a sweat while hot weather testing

Watch Porsche's 918 Spyder break a sweat while hot weather testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 porsche 918 spyderporscheporsche 918 spydervideoWed, 19 Jun 2013 12:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20627783/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20627783/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/19/watch-porsches-918-spyder-break-a-sweat-while-hot-weather-testi/20627783/article-detail.xml 20627783 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2015-porsche-918-spyder_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2015-porsche-918-spyder.jpg <![CDATA[Recalls: Tesla Model S recalled for seat safety issue]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/tesla-model-s-recalled-for-seat-safety-issue/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/tesla-model-s-recalled-for-seat-safety-issue/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/tesla-model-s-recalled-for-seat-safety-issue/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tesla Model S at sunset

Back when the first Tesla Model S electric vehicles were rolling off the assembly line in California, CEO Elon Musk was literally checking each vehicle before it went out into the wild. As production ramped up, this was no longer possible. And, not that we're suggesting the two issues are directly related, now the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Tesla are announcing the first big Model S recall. Tesla's first NHTSA recall affected the Roadster back in 2009.

The Model S recall affects 1,228 vehicles that were made between May 10 and June 8 of 2013 and is about a possible failure of the seatback mounting. Specifically, "an improper method for aligning the left hand seatback striker to the bracket may have weakened the weld between the bracket and the frame of the vehicle." What does that mean? "In the event of a crash, the left hand seatback may not stay mounted, increasing the risk of injury to passengers."

"Tesla has revised assembly procedures and retrained manufacturing technicians."

The problem happened because Tesla redesigned the joint between the bracket and vehicle to "improve function and reduce weight," and the new joint was put into place May 10. The new bracket worked just fine, but then, "on June 7, 2013, a technician on the assembly line was adjusting the alignment for the newly designed left hand second row seat striker utilizing a slide hammer when he noticed the action caused the striker to become loose. ... Upon review, Tesla Quality determined that the weld and bonding between the second row left hand seat striker mounting plate and the vehicle was compromised due to this method of adjustment." Since then, "Tesla has revised assembly procedures and retrained manufacturing technicians."

There have been no complaints or reports of injury about this issue. Tesla will repair the issue in the affected cars, but has not yet said when. Owners should be on the lookout for notification from Tesla if their car is subject to the recall.

You can read more in these PDFs (1, 2), which are letters between Tesla and NHTSA regarding the recall. You can also find more information on the NHTSA site by searching for campaign number 13V249000, and the text of the recall can be seen below.

Continue reading Tesla Model S recalled for seat safety issue

Tesla Model S recalled for seat safety issue originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclenational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecallteslatesla model sWed, 19 Jun 2013 11:28:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20627755/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20627755/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/19/tesla-model-s-recalled-for-seat-safety-issue/20627755/article-detail.xml 20627755 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/teslamodels-1368580419_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/teslamodels-1368580419.jpg <![CDATA[Official: Zap Jonway will debut four EV models in China this year]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/zap-jonway-will-debut-four-ev-models-in-china-this-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/zap-jonway-will-debut-four-ev-models-in-china-this-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/zap-jonway-will-debut-four-ev-models-in-china-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Zap Jonway's electric taxi SUV

California-based Zap Jonway says its China-based Jonway Auto division will debut four electric-vehicle models in the world's most populous country later this year, as the company looks to capitalize on plug-in vehicle incentives from the Chinese government.

Jonway will make two versions of its 5-Star Minivan. The lithium-ion battery version, the 5-Star Minivan EV-L, will have 148-horsepower and a single-charge range of about 88 miles. The lead-acid battery minivan (the Minivan-LA) will be priced at about $12,000 and have a 50-mile range for urban delivery use. Jonway will also debut the three-door E380 SUV and the five-door E-Falcon SUV as part of its EV offerings.

The China government will give out about $9,500 worth of incentives per new plug-in vehicle, while cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou will dole out additional cash, all in an effort to combat China's worsening pollution.

Zap Jonway said in March that it would build a natural-gas powered version of its A380 SUV, which can also run on gasoline in the event that the CNG runs out. The company is looking to sell that vehicle in South America, where CNG fueling stations are commonplace.

Read Zap Jonway's press release below.

Continue reading Zap Jonway will debut four EV models in China this year

Zap Jonway will debut four EV models in China this year originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaelectric vehicleminivansuvzap jonwayWed, 19 Jun 2013 10:10:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20626737/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20626737/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/19/zap-jonway-will-debut-four-ev-models-in-china-this-year/20626737/article-detail.xml 20626737 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/zap-jonway-electric-taxi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/zap-jonway-electric-taxi.jpg <![CDATA[Official: 25-million-gallion cellulosic ethanol plant opening in early 2014]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/25-million-gallion-cellulosic-ethanol-plant-opening-in-early-201/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/25-million-gallion-cellulosic-ethanol-plant-opening-in-early-201/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/25-million-gallion-cellulosic-ethanol-plant-opening-in-early-201/#commentsFiled under: ,



Cellulosic bio-ethanol is poised to see large scale production for the first time next year. Poet-DSM Advanced Biofuels, LLC, is ready to start construction of a plant in early 2014 that will produce 20 million gallons of cellulosic bio-ethanol annually, later ramping up to 25 million gallons. That's a lot, but to compare, the US uses 8.7 million barrels of gasoline per day (2011 average), not counting diesel fuel, and the US makes an average 832,000 barrels of corn-based ethanol each day.

Poet-DSM's Project Liberty will make the bio-ethanol from corn cobs, leaves, husks and stalk. The plant is being built in Emmetsburg, IA, by the two companies who formed the Poet-DSM 50/50 joint venture - major ethanol producer Poet, LLC, and global science-based company Royal DSM. Some of the plant already has been built on the facility; a biomass receiving and grinding building, which can process about 770 tons of biomass per day, is nearly complete and other sections are in the works. The next steps include continued erection of tanks, concrete, plumbing, underground electrical and installation of equipment. Once it's all functioning this fall, farmers in the area will be delivering an expected 120,000 tons of biomass bales to Project Liberty. More details on the construction project are available below.

In 2011, Poet announced it would start producing up to 25 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol a year at its site in Iowa by 2013, so it's all taking a bit longer than expected. The next question will be: Can Poet sell 25 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol a year? We suspect it can, but perhaps not as E15.

Continue reading 25-million-gallion cellulosic ethanol plant opening in early 2014

25-million-gallion cellulosic ethanol plant opening in early 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biofuelcellulosic ethanolethanolpoetWed, 19 Jun 2013 07:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20625238/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20625238/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/19/25-million-gallion-cellulosic-ethanol-plant-opening-in-early-201/20625238/article-detail.xml 20625238 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/poet-dsm-cellulosic-plant_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/poet-dsm-cellulosic-plant.jpg <![CDATA[Official: Mt. Washington Auto Road Alt Energy Summit piques our interest]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/mt-washington-auto-road-alt-energy-summit-piques-our-interest/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/mt-washington-auto-road-alt-energy-summit-piques-our-interest/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/mt-washington-auto-road-alt-energy-summit-piques-our-interest/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



What better place to hold a summit than at an actual summit? Perhaps none. But that's not exactly why the Mt. Washington Auto Road Alt Energy Summit piques (ahem) our interest. The event, to be held this September 14th and 15th atop the famed New Hampshire mountain, is not only set to feature alternative-fuel vehicles of every kind displayed by owners, builders and dealers, but there will also be exhibits showing off the latest in renewable energy systems to refuel them.

Perhaps the centerpiece of the whole affair is the "Alt Energy Drive to the Summit." Participants will have the opportunity to drive the 7.5-mile length of the Mt. Washington Auto Road in something of an echo of a similar event that took place for several years in the 1970's, when America was in the midst of its "energy crises."

Besides giving an opportunity to show off the hill-climbing abilities of the vehicles on hand, it also provides a chance to reflect on just how far alternative transportation choices have come in the last few decades. Instead of being stuck with cheese-wedge mobiles like the Sebring Vanguard Citicar (pictured) - as geek chic as that might be - we can, if we like, choose from any number of modern looking, fully capable automobiles, motorcycles and electric bicycles.

Scroll down for the official press release along with a complimentary video from event director - and From Fossils To Flux author - Ted Dillard taking his own two-wheeled battery-powered creation to the 6,288-foot peak.

Continue reading Mt. Washington Auto Road Alt Energy Summit piques our interest

Mt. Washington Auto Road Alt Energy Summit piques our interest originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alt energyalt energy transportation summitgreen car summitmt washingtonted dillardTue, 18 Jun 2013 19:14:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20624989/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20624989/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/18/mt-washington-auto-road-alt-energy-summit-piques-our-interest/20624989/article-detail.xml 20624989 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/mt-washington-comuta-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/mt-washington-comuta-car.jpg <![CDATA[Official: Twizy Way gets a visit from Caterham F1 driver Charles Pic]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/twizy-way-gets-a-visit-from-caterham-f1-driver-charles-pic/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/twizy-way-gets-a-visit-from-caterham-f1-driver-charles-pic/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/twizy-way-gets-a-visit-from-caterham-f1-driver-charles-pic/#commentsFiled under: , ,

charles pic twizy way

This isn't the first time the name F1 has been twisted with Twizy, but it's the first time that we know of that an F1 driver has gone to check out the all-electric Twizy Way carsharing effort.

Charles Pic, who races with the Caterham F1 Team partnered by Renault, went to the "Twizy Way community" in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France, near Paris recently to check out the program as well as show off the Renault Sport F1 Twizy, which is a Twizy that has been modified with things like a KERS system, racing tires and steering wheel and other F1-style technologies.

The F1 Twizy needed to use the back seat to fit in the performance components, but in the regular Twizy's used for carsharing, Pix took four lucky winners around in the two-seat, tandem-style EV as he cruised the streets. We assume at street-legel speeds.

Continue reading Twizy Way gets a visit from Caterham F1 driver Charles Pic

Twizy Way gets a visit from Caterham F1 driver Charles Pic originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carsharingcharles picelectric vehiclef1renault twizyTue, 18 Jun 2013 16:48:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20626390/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20626390/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/18/twizy-way-gets-a-visit-from-caterham-f1-driver-charles-pic/20626390/article-detail.xml 20626390 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/renault-twizy-racer-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/renault-twizy-racer-628.jpg <![CDATA[Report: South Africa taking three-year study to see if it's ready for EVs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/south-africa-taking-three-year-study-to-see-if-its-ready-for-evs/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/south-africa-taking-three-year-study-to-see-if-its-ready-for-evs/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/south-africa-taking-three-year-study-to-see-if-its-ready-for-evs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 nissan leaf

Plug-in electric vehicles are heading for another global market, South Africa, but it may take a while. Eskom, a South African electricity public utility company, told the legislature it will conduct a three-year study to see if the local power grid can handle a bunch of plug-in cars.

Testing started in March when Eskom received 10 Nissan Leafs for its program. Barry McColl, Eskom's GM for research, testing and development, told Parliament the testing is being done to determine what effect a surge in the use of EVs might have on the national power grid. Eskom is already vulnerable to rolling black outs as the utility operates with very narrow reserve margins.

South Africa wants to cut emissions to one ton per person by 2050. In a country of 50 million, this is a problem for a utility that generated 230 million tons in 2011.

The potential for reducing carbon emissions will also be examined, since the country has an ambitious goal to cut these emissions to about one ton per person by 2050. Since there are 50 million people in South Africa, this could be a problem for the utility. In 2011, Eskom generated 230 million tons of carbon dioxide, making it one of the largest emitters in the world. Eskom has already launched a program to reduce emissions through redesigning its power stations in Kusile and Medupi so they emit 15 percent less carbon than other coal-powered stations. It's a start.

McColl told Parliament's portfolio committee on energy that the effect of EVs on the power grid could be significant. The three-year study is being done to ensure that the utility is prepared for the future. McColl said that the sale of EVs has been slow - about 100,000 worldwide. Taking time to do a three-year study will only slow things down more, and the introduction of EVs to South Africa already been dragged out. EV sales are much slower than expected in North America and Europe, where concerns over grid capacity in these regions don't get raised much anymore.

South Africa taking three-year study to see if it's ready for EVs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleseskomevsnissan leafpower gridsouth africautilityTue, 18 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20625952/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20625952/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/18/south-africa-taking-three-year-study-to-see-if-its-ready-for-evs/20625952/article-detail.xml 20625952 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/nissan-leaf-road-trip_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/nissan-leaf-road-trip.jpg <![CDATA[Video: 2014 Cadillac ELR whirs into Jay Leno's Garage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/2014-cadillac-elr-whirs-into-jay-lenos-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/2014-cadillac-elr-whirs-into-jay-lenos-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/2014-cadillac-elr-whirs-into-jay-lenos-garage/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



While Jerry Seinfeld was gallivanting around LA with Sarah Silverman in a Jaguar XKE, our favorite car-loving comedian, Jay Leno, was checking out the all-new 2014 Cadillac ELR. Set to go on sale later this year, Cadillac brought its ELR to Jay Leno's Garage to show off some of its styling and technology as well as give Leno some seat time in the range-extended EV. Leno owns both a Volt and a CTS-V, and the ELR is a kind combination of the two (sort of).

In this episode, Leno spends some time talking to Frank Saucedo, GM director of advanced design, and ELR chief engineer Chris Thomason before logging a few miles on the sleek coupe. Interestingly, it seems that GM has definitely changed its tune a little since the introduction of the Volt a couple years ago; Saucedo and Leno both refer to the ELR as a hybrid, and Thomason says that it gets the "bulk of its propulsion" from the electric motors. Whatever you want to call it, scroll down to watch the latest episode of JLG with some great information and driving shots of the plug-in Cadillac.

Continue reading 2014 Cadillac ELR whirs into Jay Leno's Garage

2014 Cadillac ELR whirs into Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 cadillac elrcadillaccadillac elre-revextended range electric vehiclejay lenojay lenos garagevideoTue, 18 Jun 2013 12:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20624314/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20624314/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/18/2014-cadillac-elr-whirs-into-jay-lenos-garage/20624314/article-detail.xml 20624314 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/jay-leno-cadillac-elr_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/jay-leno-cadillac-elr.jpg <![CDATA[Official: Elon Musk confirms Tesla Model S battery swaps, demo coming this week]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/elon-musk-confirms-tesla-model-s-battery-swaps-demo-coming-this/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/elon-musk-confirms-tesla-model-s-battery-swaps-demo-coming-this/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/elon-musk-confirms-tesla-model-s-battery-swaps-demo-coming-this/#commentsFiled under: , ,

tesla model s red

For something as secret as a battery swap option in the Tesla Model S electric vehicle, we sure have heard rumors about it for years. Four (!) years ago, after all, we knew that the Model S was designed to accommodate battery swaps and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has talked about taking long-distance EV trips that included battery swaps, and Tesla's proprietary Supercharger network was supposed to have a battery swap component at one time. But then the discussion shifted to focus on that Supercharger network, and how, by stopping for lots of 20-minute sandwiches along the way, a cross-country EV road trip would be totally doable. And, for a while, the Tesla battery swapping talk disappeared.

"Live pack swap demo on Thurs night. Seeing is believing" - Elon Musk

Until, of course, Musk brought it back a month ago by tweeting: "There is a way for the Tesla Model S to be recharged throughout the country faster than you could fill a gas tank." That set off a fresh search for information, which we now know we will be cleared up later this week.

Yesterday, Musk tweeted: "Live pack swap demo on Thurs night at 8pm California time at our design studio in Hawthorne. Seeing is believing." He also tweeted that Better Place founder Shai Agassi "actually got the idea from a visit to Tesla. The idea is obvious (many things allow battery swap), but the technology is not."

We have so many questions about this new option: does it apply to all Model S vehicles? Will it be free, like Supercharging? Will the swap locations be at Tesla stores, Supercharger stations or at other locations? Why is Tesla thinking of battery swaps when it's also been so bullish on its fast-charging technology? We'll try to find answers to all of these questions when the first public swap is performed live on Thursday.

Elon Musk confirms Tesla Model S battery swaps, demo coming this week originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery swapelectric vehicleelon muskteslatesla model sTue, 18 Jun 2013 11:30:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20626135/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20626135/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/18/elon-musk-confirms-tesla-model-s-battery-swaps-demo-coming-this/20626135/article-detail.xml 20626135 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/model-s-signature-red-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/model-s-signature-red-628.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Yokohama HER-02 trying for another EV climb record at Pikes Peak]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/yokohama-her-02-trying-for-another-ev-climb-record-at-pikes-peak/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/yokohama-her-02-trying-for-another-ev-climb-record-at-pikes-peak/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/yokohama-her-02-trying-for-another-ev-climb-record-at-pikes-peak/#commentsFiled under:

Yokohama HER-02 EV

Japanese tire company Yokohama is entering its HER-02 electric vehicle in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with the goal of once again setting an electric-vehicle record for the Colorado race.

Ikuo Hanawa will again be behind the wheel of the EV, which will be equipped with Yokohama's BluEarth-A tires and a Panasonic battery. Hanawa set Yokohama's first EV record in 2010 by beating the previous Pikes Peak EV record time by a minute and 15 seconds. Last year, he cut another 21 seconds off the record time.

The June 30 race involves more than a 4,700-foot climb over 12.4 miles of road and finishes at more than 14,000 feet above sea level. Along the way are a notable 156 turns. Check out Yokohama's press release here and its three-plus-minute video below.

Continue reading Yokohama HER-02 trying for another EV climb record at Pikes Peak

Yokohama HER-02 trying for another EV climb record at Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coloradoelectric vehicleevher-02pikes peaktiresyokohamaTue, 18 Jun 2013 10:09:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20624771/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20624771/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/18/yokohama-her-02-trying-for-another-ev-climb-record-at-pikes-peak/20624771/article-detail.xml 20624771 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/yoko_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/yoko.png <![CDATA[Official: Silex says first 'HyperCharging' stations will be available next year]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/silex-says-first-hypercharging-stations-will-be-made-next-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/silex-says-first-hypercharging-stations-will-be-made-next-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/silex-says-first-hypercharging-stations-will-be-made-next-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Silex Chreos concept EV rendering

Earlier this year, Malta-based Silex Power promoted a concept electric vehicle that could go from San Francisco to Portland on a single charge. Not content with that claim, the company is now saying it's ready to make a high-powered electric charger that could fully recharge a top-of-the-line Tesla Model S in about the time it takes to play a hit single.

Silex says 2014 will be the year the first versions of its charging stations with its so-called HyperCharging technology will see the light of day. The station will have a voltage range from 360 to 1,440 volts (!!!) and will be connectable to medium-tension power lines. Most importantly, the stations will be able to recharge a 200-kWh battery pack in less than 10 minutes, or Tesla's 85-kWh pack in about four. That sort of speed will "eradicate complete the perception (sic) of long charging time inconvenience in electric vehicles," Silex says.

If this sounds like a bit of hyperbole from Silex, it wouldn't be the first time. In February, the company put out a release (and, as seen above, pictures) about an all-electric car called the Chreos that delivers 640 horsepower, has a top speed of 186 miles per hour, has a single-charge range of more than 600 miles, can be fully recharged in less than 10 minutes, and leap tall buildings in a single bound. It's also a concept car that Silex says is at least three years away from production.

Read more amazingness in Silex's press release below.

Continue reading Silex says first 'HyperCharging' stations will be available next year

Silex says first 'HyperCharging' stations will be available next year originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charging stationchreoshyperchargingkwhli-ionmaltasilexsuperchargingTue, 18 Jun 2013 08:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20625294/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20625294/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/18/silex-says-first-hypercharging-stations-will-be-made-next-year/20625294/article-detail.xml 20625294 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/silex_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/silex.jpg <![CDATA[Official: U of M researcher says plug-ins, hydrogen cars are 'no carbon cure-all']]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/u-of-m-researcher-says-plug-ins-hydrogen-cars-are-no-carbon-cu/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/u-of-m-researcher-says-plug-ins-hydrogen-cars-are-no-carbon-cu/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/u-of-m-researcher-says-plug-ins-hydrogen-cars-are-no-carbon-cu/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Electricity grid

Your Monday green-car buzzkill is brought to you buy University of Michigan research professor John DeCicco, who says more electric vehicles won't do much to slow global warming if energy-production methods aren't addressed.

DeCicco, who's with the university's Energy Institute, says the government's subsidies for advanced-powertrain technologies and the tax credits for plug-in vehicle buyers are "not warranted." That's because average fuel economy is already increasing at about four percent a year, while emissions levels from electric-power generation remains virtually unchanged.

That means more emphasis must be placed on the "well" and less on the "wheel."

That means, DeCicco said, when it comes to a "well-to-wheel" analysis of emissions from grid power all the way to vehicle efficiency, more emphasis must be placed on the "well" and less on the "wheel" to effectively take on global warming.

DeCicco's comments echo those of Didier Stevens, Toyota Europe's head of government affairs and environmental issues, who recently said more electric vehicles won't help the environment much if electricity continues to be produced largely from coal. So, if you were feeling too positive about EVs, put on a Smiths record and check out the University of Michigan article below.

Continue reading U of M researcher says plug-ins, hydrogen cars are 'no carbon cure-all'

U of M researcher says plug-ins, hydrogen cars are 'no carbon cure-all' originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co2electricityemissionsgridincentivesjohn deciccouniversity of michiganMon, 17 Jun 2013 19:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20624666/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20624666/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/17/u-of-m-researcher-says-plug-ins-hydrogen-cars-are-no-carbon-cu/20624666/article-detail.xml 20624666 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/electricity-power-grid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/electricity-power-grid.jpg <![CDATA[Official: Ford cuts production emissions by 37% per vehicle since 2000]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/ford-cuts-production-emissions-by-37-per-vehicle-since-2000/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/ford-cuts-production-emissions-by-37-per-vehicle-since-2000/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/ford-cuts-production-emissions-by-37-per-vehicle-since-2000/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford gets greener

Ford has used efficiency gains related to water use, waste and painting processes to cut its factory emissions per produced vehicle by 37 percent between 2000 and 2012.

The US automaker, in its 14th annual Sustainability Report, adds that more changes are in store that will allow an additional 30-percent drop in CO2 emissions per vehicle between 2010 and 2025. Furthermore, Ford's tailpipe emissions, per vehicle, are down 16 percent since 2007. The company has sold more than 600,000 vehicles with its gas-saving EcoBoost engines, and it's pretty proud of its regenerative brakes, too. Additionally, through May, Ford increased green car sales fivefold from a year earlier on more sales for models like the Fusion Hybrid and the more-recent introduction of plug-in models like the C-Max and Fusion Energi vehicles. Check out Ford's press release below.

Continue reading Ford cuts production emissions by 37% per vehicle since 2000

Ford cuts production emissions by 37% per vehicle since 2000 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co2emissionsfordsustainability reportMon, 17 Jun 2013 18:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20622872/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20622872/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/17/ford-cuts-production-emissions-by-37-per-vehicle-since-2000/20622872/article-detail.xml 20622872 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/fordgreen_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/fordgreen.png <![CDATA[Official: US DOE ready with $9m in grants for fuel-cell advances]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/us-doe-ready-with-9m-in-grants-for-fuel-cell-advancements/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/us-doe-ready-with-9m-in-grants-for-fuel-cell-advancements/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/us-doe-ready-with-9m-in-grants-for-fuel-cell-advancements/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hydrogen refuelling

Some might say $9 million is a drop in the zero-emission bucket when it comes to federal funding of hydrogen fuel-cell advancements, but it does beat a sharp stick in the eye.

The US Department of Energy has announced a $9-million grant that will be directed towards speeding up hydrogen fuel-cell technology, which some view as the best of all worlds because it allows gas-tank-type mileage ranges for vehicles without the harmful local emissions (fuel-cell vehicles emit water vapor).

Specifically, the grant will be earmarked for technologies that advance drivetrain technology for medium-duty trucks, cut costs for refueling components and speed up rooftop installations for hydrogen fuel-cell backup power systems.

Toyota and Hyundai are among the automakers that plan to debut production fuel cell vehicles in the US by 2015. Earlier this month, Hyundai delivered its first 15 Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles (which will be known as the Tucson Fuel Cell when it arrives in the US) to the city of Copenhagen. And earlier this year, Automotive News estimated that Toyota has brought down the per-vehicle cost for its fuel cell vehicles to between $50,000 and $100,000.

Check out the DOE's press release below.

Continue reading US DOE ready with $9m in grants for fuel-cell advances

US DOE ready with $9m in grants for fuel-cell advances originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department of energyenergy departmentfuel cellgovernmentgranthydrogenhydrogen fuel cellMon, 17 Jun 2013 15:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20624744/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20624744/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/17/us-doe-ready-with-9m-in-grants-for-fuel-cell-advancements/20624744/article-detail.xml 20624744 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/fuelcell_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/fuelcell.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Matte Graphite Tesla Model S rolls into station with $11 gas]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/matte-graphic-tesla-model-s-rolls-into-station-with-11-gas/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/matte-graphic-tesla-model-s-rolls-into-station-with-11-gas/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/matte-graphic-tesla-model-s-rolls-into-station-with-11-gas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

tesla model s with vosssen wheels

It is an era of $11 gallons of gas. Somewhere, apparently, someone has run out of fuel. To the rescue will come a personalized Matte Graphite Tesla Model S, ready with a frunk full of gas cans. Watching the Tesla drive away on cheap electricity, the stranded motorist out there will be able to continue his gas-powered journey, wondering if perhaps next time will be the right time to get plugged in.

At least, that's one potential plot line for a new video of a modified Model S with a fresh paint job and 22-inch Vossen CV1 concave wheels and rims. The video, a promotional tool for Vossen, doesn't have any words and we were confused at first why the all-electric Model S would need to pull into a gas station in the first place. This is our made-up answer. Check out the video below and then share your idea in the comments.

Continue reading Matte Graphite Tesla Model S rolls into station with $11 gas

Matte Graphite Tesla Model S rolls into station with $11 gas originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclefrunkgas pricesteslatesla model svossenMon, 17 Jun 2013 14:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20624557/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20624557/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/17/matte-graphic-tesla-model-s-rolls-into-station-with-11-gas/20624557/article-detail.xml 20624557 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/matte-blue-tesla-model-s_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/matte-blue-tesla-model-s.png <![CDATA[Two Wheels: Crossing the continent: electric motorcycles race across America]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/crossing-the-continent-electric-motorcycles-race-across-america/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/crossing-the-continent-electric-motorcycles-race-across-america/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/crossing-the-continent-electric-motorcycles-race-across-america/#commentsFiled under: , ,



People have been making the North American transcontinental trip from sea-to-shining-sea ever since Lewis and Clark cleared the first path to the Pacific back in 1806. The journey has been managed on horseback, covered wagons, trains, planes and automobiles. Now, it's been done by electric motorcycles. Twice.

Last week, both the Moto Electra Racing expedition and Terry Hershner's solo effort traveled the length of the Interstate 10 - in opposite directions - to view both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans within the span of a few days. With the ultimate goal of finishing first, and secondarily, fast enough to set an enduring record, the race was on.

Each team took decidedly different approaches.

Each team took decidedly different approaches. Moto Electra towed a generator behind its chase vehicle to make up for the lack of charging infrastructure and keep the classic-looking Norton replica well fed. Hershner, on the other hand, took more of a hunter-gatherer approach, harvesting electrons for his streamlined 2012 Zero S from whatever source he could find, typically RV parks and charging stations.

This gave the Moto Electra guys an obvious advantage, since there was no need to track down charging stations that might be occupied, or worse, out of service. Still, out on the road, anything can happen and there could be no guarantee of success.

Continue reading Crossing the continent: electric motorcycles race across America

Crossing the continent: electric motorcycles race across America originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric motorcycleelectric nortonmoto electramoto electra racingterry hershnertranscontinental tripzero motorcyclesMon, 17 Jun 2013 11:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20613478/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20613478/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/17/crossing-the-continent-electric-motorcycles-race-across-america/20613478/article-detail.xml 20613478 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/moto-electra-racing-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/moto-electra-racing-628.jpg <![CDATA[Read This: Internal documents show Fisker lost $35,000 on each Karma]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/internal-documents-show-fisker-lost-35-000-on-each-karma/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/internal-documents-show-fisker-lost-35-000-on-each-karma/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/internal-documents-show-fisker-lost-35-000-on-each-karma/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fisker Karma

Anyone looking for a chilling plug-in vehicle warning tale should check out this detailed Reuters article, which digs into the financial history of Fisker Automotive and reveals that the company lost around $35,000 per vehicle.

That number comes from "internal financial statements and interviews with former Fisker executives," Reuters reports, quoting a former executive saying the luxury plug-in hybrid, "cost far more to produce than we could ever charge for it." All told, between 2008 and 2012, Reuters estimates Fisker lost $1 billion.

The losses were due, in part, to those many production delays two to three years ago as well as a reduction in the number of cars it was going to make and sell. Remember when the company said it would sell 15,000 units a year? Eventually, the company sold around 2,000 vehicles, total.

There is a lot worth reading in the source article, including how the Karma's forward-placed exhaust - which hurt the vehicle's performance and was too loud - was fixed using a metal "pizza box" that cost millions extra. Throw in salaries of around $600,000-$700,000 for co-founders Henrik Fisker and Barny Koehler, even while Fisker was laying people off, and you have a recipe for not succeeding. Here's a taste of what Reuters has to offer:

In May 2011, the company co-sponsored a pre-race grand prix party aboard a 146-foot yacht moored in the Monte Carlo harbor. Guests drank glasses of champagne served with flecks of gold. Clad in a dark pinstripe suit and open-neck white shirt, Henrik Fisker navigated a crowd that included Prince Albert of Monaco, whom he described as the inspiration for the Karma. ... The Monaco weekend, according to several sources familiar with the event, cost Fisker between $80,000 and $100,000. That wasn't lavish by auto-marketing standards, but by this point every penny mattered. Within weeks, the Energy Department stopped payments on its loan.

You can read the whole thing here.

Internal documents show Fisker lost $35,000 on each Karma originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doe loanselectric vehiclefiskerfisker automotivefisker karmahenrik fiskerplug-in hybridMon, 17 Jun 2013 10:44:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20624270/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20624270/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/17/internal-documents-show-fisker-lost-35-000-on-each-karma/20624270/article-detail.xml 20624270 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/karma_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/karma.jpg -1 2