AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/green.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Antique EVs get their due at auctions, new museum]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/antique-evs-get-their-due-at-auctions-new-museum/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/antique-evs-get-their-due-at-auctions-new-museum/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/antique-evs-get-their-due-at-auctions-new-museum/#commentsFiled under: ,



As Americans buy more Nissan Leafs, Chevrolet Volts and other electric-drive vehicles, some of those models' forefathers are getting their due by way of auctions and museum exhibits.

A 1909 Walker Vehicle Co. delivery van recently sold on eBay for $127,500, signifying that old-school vehicles that predate the Nissan Leaf by a 100 or so years can fetch a pretty penny, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The 1909 Walker, which is mounted on solid rubber tires, is one of hundreds of EVs produced around the turn of the 20th Century as early car customers looked for a quieter, cleaner alternative to what were loud and dirty internal combustion engines. Chicago-based Walker also made early variants of hybrid vehicles, according to the WSJ.

With contemporary EV sales expected to rise during the next few years, car collectors are seeking out and paying for early versions of battery-electric vehicles. In fact, those thinking that the Walker set some sort of pricing record from the eBay sale would be mistaken. Last August, an 1899 Columbia Electric Landaulet sold at an auction for $550,000, making it the priciest antique EV ever sold.

Meanwhile, America's Car Museum, which opens in Tacoma, Washington, on June 2 will have an "Alternative Propulsion" exhibit that will include a 1912 Standard Electric Open Tourer (still roadworthy, the museum says) and a 1914 Detroit Electric Priscilla. In all, the 165,000-square-foot museum will have more than 350 cars, trucks and motorcycles.

Antique EVs get their due at auctions, new museum originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 16 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americas car museumantiqueantique electric vehicleselectric vehicletacomawalker electricWed, 16 May 2012 16:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238785/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238785/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/16/antique-evs-get-their-due-at-auctions-new-museum/20238785/article-detail.xml 20238785 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/antiqueelectric-1337113830_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/antiqueelectric-1337113830.jpg <![CDATA[EVS: Coulomb readying San Francisco with 100 stations, finds "museum tour of electricity"]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/evs-coulomb-readying-san-francisco-with-100-stations-finds-mu/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/evs-coulomb-readying-san-francisco-with-100-stations-finds-mu/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/evs-coulomb-readying-san-francisco-with-100-stations-finds-mu/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Coulomb Technologies' big news at EVS26 was a collaboration with Fuji Electric Corporation of America to add Fuji's 25-kW DC Quick Charging Stations into the ChargePoint Network. In fact, the very first such charger on the network was sitting there in the booth, and actual deployment in the U.S. is scheduled for later this year. Coulomb is already neck-deep in actual deployments of electric vehicle charging stations: more that 6,300 non-residential stations are online now and Coulomb says that about half of all EV drivers in the U.S. have a ChargePoint card. To get the latest, we spoke with Don Karner, Coulomb's chief innovation officer, about the Multicharge SF program and - yes - the SAE combo charger announcement.

It's like the museum tour of electricity. It's really kind of scary.

First, about Multicharge SF, which is a partnership with the City of San Francisco, Coulomb and PG&E and is funded by the California Energy Commission. The goal, perhaps unsurprisingly for San Francisco, where upwards of 60 percent of people live in multi-family units, is to find a way for apartment dwellers to recharge their EVs. Karner said the city government took the lead and identified places where chargers would be most useful, then reached out to the property owners to get them interested. In the end, about 70 different properties applied to be a part of the $900,000 program - and around 45-50 of them will be selected to actually get some of the total of about 100 chargers. "[The locations] represent all the different demographics: large properties and small properties, condos, co-ops, TICs [tenant in common, which means one mortgage for multiple units] and rental communities," Karner said. The variety extends to different income brackets as well as new and old properties. "One of the things we ran into early on is that there are some incredibly old power systems in San Francisco. Glass tubes in the fuse boxes. It's like the museum tour of electricity. It's really kind of scary."

The only way to get this many different groups involved was to start with a diverse set of partners. "It has to be a multi-stakeholder proposition to really work in the region," Karner said. "If I didn't have the city out with its resources, legal and building codes and everything else, it would be impossible for me to organize all those things. It really becomes a great template that other cities and public-private partnerships can use."

For example, Karner said, there's a rule in San Francisco that says that if you charge money for a parking space, you need to register as a parking operator. So, how does that apply to EVs? Does every building owner who installs a charger then need to go get a parking license? The city attorney is currently researching the answer to this question, Karner said, adding that the mayor standing by to quickly go to bat and get the rules changed if it is determined that the answer is "yes."

With its Chargepoint Network, Coulomb doesn't really care what connector people are using to get their cars on the grid. As long as the communication systems are there, Chargepoint can work with whatever kind of charging station is out there. But Karner did have a few things to say about the SAE combo charger. Specifically, that it doesn't encourage fast infrastructure deployment.

"Having that Level 2 standard [J1772] gives certainty to drivers," he said. "With fast charging, because you still have competing standards, I think that makes it a pilot proposition for a lot of communities as far as really getting behind a specific charger type. I think until the market coalesces around a technology, you're still just going to see a lot of uncertainty about what to deploy on any large scale."

As Coulomb works to solve some of the infrastructure problems, others arise. The trick is to not have partners hesitate too much, and so get as many chargers into use as makes sense.

Continue reading EVS: Coulomb readying San Francisco with 100 stations, finds "museum tour of electricity"

EVS: Coulomb readying San Francisco with 100 stations, finds "museum tour of electricity" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargepointcoulombcoulomb technologieselectric vehicleevsevs26plug-in hybridWed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20232356/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20232356/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/16/evs-coulomb-readying-san-francisco-with-100-stations-finds-mu/20232356/article-detail.xml 20232356 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/evs26-booth-chargepoint_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/evs26-booth-chargepoint.jpg <![CDATA[Electric cars race again at 2nd Grand Prix de Pau Électrique [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/electric-cars-race-again-at-2nd-grand-prix-de-pau-lectrique-w/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/electric-cars-race-again-at-2nd-grand-prix-de-pau-lectrique-w/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/electric-cars-race-again-at-2nd-grand-prix-de-pau-lectrique-w/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Electric Andros Trophee cars on the street course of the Grand Prix de Pau

Once again the electric ice-racing cars of the Trophée Andros have left their snow-capped mountain-top habitat for a little summertime fun at the Grand Prix de Pau Electrique. And, just like last year, the Exagon-prepared buggies put on two shows full of paint-swapping competitive action, whilst giving a kind repose to the eardrums of onlookers from the din of the Formula3 and other internal combustion classes.

Local favorite Mike Parisy, winner of last year's Saturday race, started on the pole in first event but couldn't quite hold off the impressive Adrien Tambay. While Parisy may have more familiarity with the Pau street course, Tambay is quite at home in the Andros Evo 2, having placed second overall in last winter's Trophée Andros Electrique.

Sunday saw Soheil Ayari turn his third-place finish the previous day into pole position for the final race. That contest turned into one of attrition with only five of the twelve starters making it to the finish line. With a collision taking out the three positions ahead of him on the first lap, Mike Parisy took full advantage of the clear track ahead and made the home crowd proud once again. Close behind him in second was last year's French F4 champion, the talented 17-year old Mathieu Vaxiviere.

Scroll down below for footage from both races as well as a cool bonus in-car clip of Parisy demonstrating his abilities, laying down some quick qualifying laps.

Continue reading Electric cars race again at 2nd Grand Prix de Pau Électrique [w/video]

Electric cars race again at 2nd Grand Prix de Pau Électrique [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 16 May 2012 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adrien tambayelectric vehicle racingev racinggrand prix de paugrand prix de pau electriquemathieu vaxivieremike parisyTrophée AndrosWed, 16 May 2012 11:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237921/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237921/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/16/electric-cars-race-again-at-2nd-grand-prix-de-pau-lectrique-w/20237921/article-detail.xml 20237921 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/grand-prix-de-pau-2012-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/grand-prix-de-pau-2012-628.jpg <![CDATA[Leaked Fisker Atlantic documents reveal big production delay, specs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/fisker-atlantic-documents-reveal-production-delay-specs-blog-r/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/fisker-atlantic-documents-reveal-production-delay-specs-blog-r/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/fisker-atlantic-documents-reveal-production-delay-specs-blog-r/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fisker Atlantic - red - front three-quarter image

The Fisker Atlantic extended-range plug-in vehicle will start production about a year after its previously estimated mid-2013 date, Inside EVs blog reports, citing leaked company documents that were dated "a few weeks ago."

The Atlantic, formerly known as Project Nina, will compete pricewise against the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series sedans, as well as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class, Jaguar XF and Audi A4 and A6. That would put the model in the $50,000 to $60,000 range, according to the publication. The model, which will still be produced at Fisker's Delaware plant, will have 300 horsepower, a 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds and emissions of 50 grams per kilometer of CO2, Inside EVs reports, citing the documents.

"As these documents are obviously leaked investor documents and highly confidential, I am not prepared to comment any further," a Fisker representative tells AutoblogGreen.

The status of the Atlantic has been in question since plans for the former General Motors plant in Delaware were put on hold once the U.S. Department of Energy froze most of the $529 million in loans earmarked for the California-based company.

Fisker unveiled the Atlantic at the New York Auto Show last month, saying that the car's price tag would be "a much lower price point" than Fisker's Karma sedan.

Leaked Fisker Atlantic documents reveal big production delay, specs originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 16 May 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlanticelectric vehicleextended rangefiskerfisker atlanticfisker atlantic specsfisker productionhenrik fiskerproject ninaWed, 16 May 2012 09:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238810/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238810/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/16/fisker-atlantic-documents-reveal-production-delay-specs-blog-r/20238810/article-detail.xml 20238810 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/fisker-atlantic_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/fisker-atlantic.jpg <![CDATA[Is Kia considering a diesel for the U.S.?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/is-kia-considering-a-diesel-for-the-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/is-kia-considering-a-diesel-for-the-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/is-kia-considering-a-diesel-for-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: ,

Kia logo

If we had a dollar for every time we read a headline that said, "[insert automaker here] considering a diesel for U.S. market," we'd have a pretty sizable stack of Washingtons. So why, then, is this story of particular interest?

After the website Efficient Automobile wrote about the possibility of Kia offering a diesel-powered Optima here in the United States, the automaker took things a step further, addressing this on its Facebook page. Kia's North American public relations team asks its loyal followers, "Would you drive a diesel?" And from what we can tell after a quick scan of the comments, there yeses certainly seem to outweigh the nos.

In Europe, the Optima is available with a 1.7-liter turbo-diesel four, good for 134 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. The decidedly vague story from Efficient Automobile also states that the diesel Optima shares many of the visual upgrades that we have on the U.S.-spec Optima Hybrid, including a lowered ride height and special wheels.

It's worth mentioning that Kia's North American PR Facebook account is largely geared towards the U.S. media, and we have yet to meet a single member of the automotive press who wouldn't drive a diesel. But since Kia PR does not restrict its Facebook page, perhaps this is a small way for the automaker to gauge customer interest about the possibility of offering a diesel-powered car here in the United States. And to answer the question at hand, yes, Kia, we would.

Is Kia considering a diesel for the U.S.? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 16 May 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselkiaoptimaWed, 16 May 2012 07:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238598/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238598/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/16/is-kia-considering-a-diesel-for-the-u-s/20238598/article-detail.xml 20238598 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/21kiafortekoupreview_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/21kiafortekoupreview.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Salon</i> columnist asks, "Is it ethical to drive stick?" [w/poll]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/salon-columnist-asks-is-it-ethical-to-drive-stick-w/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/salon-columnist-asks-is-it-ethical-to-drive-stick-w/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/salon-columnist-asks-is-it-ethical-to-drive-stick-w/#commentsFiled under: ,

Manual transmission

Just don't answer. The question is neither relevant, nor is it even the crux of the column. Get past the clicky smelling headline, and what you have here is a combination of two news stories, one new and one old, both of which you've likely already come across.

We're going to play nice here and not knock over Salon columnist David Sirota's house of cards, because this is a good read and he's a talented writer - even if, off the top of our heads, we can name several popular vehicles that offer a fuel economy benefit to those willing to row their own, from the Volkswagen Jetta to the Chevrolet Sonic to the BMW 3 Series. But the guy does have a point that's probably of great benefit to many Salon readers: If a smug sense of superiority is what you're after, opting for a manual transmission is no longer a sure bet. (Locally sourced organic produce and craft beer, for the win!)

In the end, Sirota is smart enough to come to two conclusions that most of us would agree to. The first being that driving a manual is fun, and the second, that it's hard to text while steering, operating all three pedals, and working that stick.

On second thought, maybe you should answer with a simple 'yes' or 'no'. See below for our completely unscientific poll.

View Poll

Salon columnist asks, "Is it ethical to drive stick?" [w/poll] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 15 May 2012 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distracted drivingfuel economymanualmanual gearboxmanual transmissionstick shiftTue, 15 May 2012 19:56:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238816/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238816/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/salon-columnist-asks-is-it-ethical-to-drive-stick-w/20238816/article-detail.xml 20238816 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/36-2012-chevrolet-cruze-eco-review-opt-1337111975_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/36-2012-chevrolet-cruze-eco-review-opt-1337111975.jpg <![CDATA[Honda finds a way to make the Segway look elegant [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/honda-finds-a-way-to-make-the-segway-look-elegant/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/honda-finds-a-way-to-make-the-segway-look-elegant/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/honda-finds-a-way-to-make-the-segway-look-elegant/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Honda Uni-Cub Personal Mobility Device

Honda is jumping into the personal-mobility vehicle market associated with the Segway, and the Japanese automaker even has a cute name for the device.

Honda will start demonstration tests for its UNI-CUB vehicle in June of 2012 with Japan's National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.

Honda, which has been working on a plan for personal mobility devices since 2009, says the vehicle will offer firm balance and all-directional capabilities, similar to the Segway, though the person will be sitting lower on the device, allowing for "eye-level" stature, the company said.

No specifics as far as sales and price have been disclosed, but Honda says the UNI-CUB sits about 29 inches tall, has a maximum speed of about three and a half miles per hour and a single-charge range of about three and a half miles. Read all about it in the press release below, along with a video of the machine in action.

Continue reading Honda finds a way to make the Segway look elegant [w/video]

Honda finds a way to make the Segway look elegant [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclehondajapanpersonal mobilitysegwayuni-cubTue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238406/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238406/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/honda-finds-a-way-to-make-the-segway-look-elegant/20238406/article-detail.xml 20238406 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/honda-uni-cub-001-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/honda-uni-cub-001-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi unveils power-wheelie-ing e-bike in Austria]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/audi-unveils-power-wheelie-ing-e-bike-in-austria-this-week/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/audi-unveils-power-wheelie-ing-e-bike-in-austria-this-week/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/audi-unveils-power-wheelie-ing-e-bike-in-austria-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Audi e-bike Wörthersee

Audi this week is following up companies such as Daimler AG's Smart division by unveiling a battery-powered bicycle for two-wheeled enthusiasts. And this one can do wheelies and has the power-to-weight ratio of an A4.

Audi's e-bike Wörthersee, named after the town in Austria, has a top speed of 50 miles per hour and can go as far as 44 miles on a single charge. The bike lets its rider choose from five different cycling modes ranging from pure human power to pure electric power to a varying mix of the two.

But the bike, whose price and broader launch date wasn't announced, also has some unusual traits, including flat spokes that cut the wind better than conventional ones and a smartphone hookup. The e-bike, which can be put in a mode that allows for power wheelies, also weighs just 24 pounds, and, with its 2.3-kilowatt motor, actually has a weight-to-power ratio of about 15 pounds per horsepower, or about the same as the aforementioned A4.

Last year, Daimler unveiled its Smart e-bike, and earlier this month said it would start deliveries in the U.K. by the end of May. That bike has a smaller motor - about 250 watts - as well as a battery that can provide 62 miles of distance on a single charge.

Smart said last year that Germany's annual electric bike sales jumped from 70,000 units in 2007 to about 200,000 in 2010. We have just one final question: Now that Audi officially owns itself a heralded Italian motorcycle brand, should this bike be branded an Audi or a Ducati?

Continue reading Audi unveils power-wheelie-ing e-bike in Austria

Audi unveils power-wheelie-ing e-bike in Austria originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaustriae-bikeelectric bikeelectric vehiclewortherseeTue, 15 May 2012 16:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237802/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237802/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/audi-unveils-power-wheelie-ing-e-bike-in-austria-this-week/20237802/article-detail.xml 20237802 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/audi-e-bike_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/audi-e-bike.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche shows off hybrid 918 Spyder Prototype]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/porsche-shows-off-hybrid-918-spyder-prototype/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/porsche-shows-off-hybrid-918-spyder-prototype/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/porsche-shows-off-hybrid-918-spyder-prototype/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Porsche 918 Spyder prototype - front three-quarter dynamic view - black and white livery

Porsche has officially put the finishing touches on the first prototypes of the company's 918 Spyder, complete with a black-and-white livery scheme that pays homage to the 917 racers of old. Production is set to commence in a little over a year, and the German sportscar manufacturer says buyers can look forward to taking possession of the first examples by the end of 2013.

The plug-in hybrid will command a heady price tag, though. Porsche has confirmed the company will ask a whopping $845,000 per model, each with a 500 horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine and two electric motors that the automaker says "make possible a unique combination of minimal fuel consumption and maximum performance."

Altogether, the gas-electric drivetrain should be good for a 3.1-second 0-60 sprint and a top speed of 199 mph. Perhaps even more impressive is the news that the 918 will be able to propel itself with electric power at speeds of up to 94 mph. That little fact helps account for the news that the vehicle should be able to return around 78 miles per gallon on the EU cycle. Scroll down for the brief press release, but not before checking out the high-res gallery.

Continue reading Porsche shows off hybrid 918 Spyder Prototype

Porsche shows off hybrid 918 Spyder Prototype originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 15 May 2012 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 porsche 918 spyder918918 spyder918 spyder photoselectric vehicleplug-in hybridporscheporsche 918 spyderporsche 918 spyder prototypeTue, 15 May 2012 13:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238486/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238486/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/porsche-shows-off-hybrid-918-spyder-prototype/20238486/article-detail.xml 20238486 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/porsche-918-spyder-prototype-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/porsche-918-spyder-prototype-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda skewers EV technology with overseas CX-5 launch]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/mazda-skewers-ev-technology-with-overseas-cx-5-launch/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/mazda-skewers-ev-technology-with-overseas-cx-5-launch/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/mazda-skewers-ev-technology-with-overseas-cx-5-launch/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Mazda recently may have made the coolest car commercial in history by backing its pitch for SkyActiv technology with Bo Diddley's "Road Runner" (see here), so we're leaning toward forgiving them for this one.

The Japanese automaker, as part of the international marketing launch of its CX-5 crossover in Scotland, reinforced its caustic stance on battery-electric vehicles by injecting some humorous references to the "range anxiety" that EVs can cause, according to The Charging Point blog.

Mazda planted fake roadside signs saying things like "Abandoned EVs ahead" and "EV drivers hitchhiking," according to the blog. Mazda has pitched the CX-5 as having the best fuel economy among SUVs in North America.

Mazda continues to poke fun at EVs even as it prepares to launch its own Demio (Mazda2) EV later this year. The company, at last month's New York Auto Show, hung a banner that described SkyActiv as "Not Electric. No Hybrid. Not a Drag to Drive."

The automaker last year said it was looking to boost fleetwide fuel economy by about 30 percent over the next three years largely through its SkyActiv program, which includes models such as the CX-5 and which uses better engine, transmission, aerodynamics and lightweight technology to cut fuel use in its internal combustion engines. Mazda, which starting selling the CX-5 in the U.S. in March, has set a goal to sell as many as 160,000 SkyActiv vehicles a year.

Mazda skewers EV technology with overseas CX-5 launch originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 15 May 2012 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mazda cx-5cx-5electric vehicleEVsmazdampgscotlandskyactivTue, 15 May 2012 11:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238081/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238081/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/mazda-skewers-ev-technology-with-overseas-cx-5-launch/20238081/article-detail.xml 20238081 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mazdacx5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mazdacx5.jpg <![CDATA[EVS: Aerovironment's been around long enough to not pick sides in SAE/CHAdeMO debate]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/evs-aerovironments-been-around-long-enough-to-not-pick-sides-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/evs-aerovironments-been-around-long-enough-to-not-pick-sides-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/evs-aerovironments-been-around-long-enough-to-not-pick-sides-i/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

General Motors EV1 at Aeronironment

There's a good reason that Aerovironment proudly displayed the 20-year-old EV1 in its booth at the Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS26): it's not a newcomer.

Aerovironment's Wahid Nawabi, the senior vice president and general manager of efficient energy systems, told AutoblogGreen the car illustrates that the company has decades of experience with plug-in vehicles.

"The cornerstone of our message in this booth is the EV1, which is a vehicle that is considered by the industry as the mother of the modern electric vehicle," he said. "We were the co-developer of that product back in the [19]89-90 time frame. We have this vehicle here to demonstrate that we understand EVs, we're involved in this and we have a deep history."

That history means Aerovironment has a variety of offerings for companies looking for a charging station supplier, he said. "We are probably the best company that has an entire, end-to-end offering, a one-stop-shop in terms of charging. So, whether you need software capabilities, network subscriptions, chargers of all types or pretty much anything else, we offer all those categories," Nawabi said.

Which means AV has a stake in the most interesting charging story at EVS26, the new SAE combo charger for DC fast charging. This plug was announced in Los Angeles but has been in the works for a while, and Nawabi said Aerovironment was involved in the standards discussion over Level One and Two chargers and has been involved with the Combo charger from day one. "We were involved in the charging standards for years," he said. "In fact, we were one of the first proponents of coming up with some sort of standard." The official news of the combo charger was great, he said. "We are very excited there is a standard," he said. "It is not a standard there are a lot of cars for, so it is something very new. Today's demand in the market is for the CHAdeMO charger, which we offer. If the market were to change, we intend to support it. We are standard agnostic."

There has been a lot of discussion about the combo charger, but it's a fight that Nawabi said is not really that important - right now. He said:

People are making a big deal about a standard that there is not a lot of market for, yet. I believe that one uniform standard that everyone can agree to is very positive for the industry. Whether that ends up being CHAdeMO or combo or something different, to me it's semantics. Today, the standard that makes the most sense for the consumer is CHAdeMO because that's out there and that's what the cars are shipping with. So, should that be the one? I think that makes a lot of sense. You can argue that one is better, I'm sure. But it's what's better for you, an apple or an orange? If you're hungry, you need food.

Since the cars on the ground from Nissan and Mitsubishi accept CHAdeMO, AeroVironment has a number of CHAdeMO chargers installed in places like Texas, Oregon and Hawaii. Nawabi said EV drivers today are happy because these stations support the cars that they bought. "The consumer is just looking for something that works and allows them to charge fast, at the end of the day," he said.

EVS: Aerovironment's been around long enough to not pick sides in SAE/CHAdeMO debate originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 15 May 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerovironmentaerovironment chargerchademocharging stationdc fast chargerelectric vehicleev1level 3plug-in hybridsae combo chargerwahid nawabiTue, 15 May 2012 09:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237838/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237838/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/evs-aerovironments-been-around-long-enough-to-not-pick-sides-i/20237838/article-detail.xml 20237838 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/evs26-booth-aerovironment_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/evs26-booth-aerovironment.jpg <![CDATA[Climate change and the redistribution of carbon-sourced wealth]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/climate-change-and-the-redistribution-of-carbon-sourced-wealth/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/climate-change-and-the-redistribution-of-carbon-sourced-wealth/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/climate-change-and-the-redistribution-of-carbon-sourced-wealth/#commentsFiled under: ,

A fried egg on ashphalt

For a multitude of reasons - climate change, air quality, national security, etc. - a large reduction in the burning of carbon-based fuels is a good idea. Since higher prices are known to reduce consumption, one way to achieve this is to simply put a tax on fuel at the pump. It's been proposed by GM's Dan Akerson, Bill Ford and others, but the idea can be difficult politically and economically. With current prices already relatively high, further increases negatively impact the cost of production and distribution of everything we buy and can hurt a fragile economy.

Now, a slightly different approach has been proposed that would raise the price of carbon-based energy sources and encourage reduction, while helping the fiscally vulnerable absorb the financial cost. Hidden deep in an opinion piece for the New York Times that reminds us of the folly of continuing to pump CO2 into the atmosphere without regard for the future consequences, climatologist James Hansen makes the following suggestion.

We should impose a gradually rising carbon fee, collected from fossil fuel companies, then distribute 100 percent of the collections to all Americans on a per-capita basis every month.

He argues that this approach would effectively redistribute carbon-sourced wealth back to all but the biggest energy consumers and "stimulate innovation, jobs and economic growth", among other things, while creating a reduction in oil demand equal to six times what we expect to receive from Canada's tar sands via a certain proposed pipeline.

Though it doesn't seem to take into account the possible cost of administrating such a plan, compared to previous proposals, we think this one merits further consideration. Let us know what you think in the comments section by scrolling below.

Climate change and the redistribution of carbon-sourced wealth originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 15 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>climate changeco2gas taxglobal warmingjames hansenredistribution of wealthtaxesTue, 15 May 2012 08:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20236612/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20236612/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/climate-change-and-the-redistribution-of-carbon-sourced-wealth/20236612/article-detail.xml 20236612 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/egg-on-pavement-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/egg-on-pavement-628.jpg <![CDATA[Jay Leno checks out the Mission Motors Mission-R electric motorcycle]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/jay-leno-checks-out-the-mission-motors-mission-r-electric-motorc/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/jay-leno-checks-out-the-mission-motors-mission-r-electric-motorc/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/jay-leno-checks-out-the-mission-motors-mission-r-electric-motorc/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mission Motors Mission-R at Jay Leno's Garage

The crew from Mission Motors took the time to stop by Jay Leno's Garage to give the comedian a peek at the Mission-R electric motorcycle. The machine uses 14-kWh lithium-ion batteries paired with a 120-kilowatt motor, which means there's around 161 horsepower on hand. Mission says the combination can get rider and machine to 60 miles per hour in around three seconds while scooting to a top speed of 160 mph. Not too shabby. The whole package weighs in at around 550 pounds and gives riders a range of 80-100 miles depending on how frisky they are with the throttle.

Mission says the company wanted to pursue a race bike because of the challenges the platform presents. Namely, the machine has to serve up impressive performance while remaining fairly lightweight, meaning there's little space for massive battery packs. Leno is no stranger to electric bikes or motorcycles. The guy has a stable of two-wheel machines, both internal-combustion and EV. Scroll down to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading Jay Leno checks out the Mission Motors Mission-R electric motorcycle

Jay Leno checks out the Mission Motors Mission-R electric motorcycle originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 14 May 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electricelectric motorcyclejay lenojay lenos garagemissionmission motorsmission motors mission-rmission-rmotorcyclevideoMon, 14 May 2012 20:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237951/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237951/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/jay-leno-checks-out-the-mission-motors-mission-r-electric-motorc/20237951/article-detail.xml 20237951 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/jay-leno-mission-motors-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/jay-leno-mission-motors-628.jpg <![CDATA[A123 Systems posts $125 million net loss]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/a123-systems-posts-125-million-net-loss/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/a123-systems-posts-125-million-net-loss/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/a123-systems-posts-125-million-net-loss/#commentsFiled under: ,

A123 LogoThe Detroit News reports lithium-ion battery manufacturer A123 Systems is set to post a net loss of $125 million on revenue of $10.9 million for the first quarter of 2012. Official results will be released later this week. The loss includes $51.6 million tied to replacing battery packs produced at the company's Lavonia, Michigan facility. Some of those packs could have been manufactured with defective cells. The figure also includes $15.2 million to increase inventory reserves.

As you may recall, A123 Systems provides battery packs for companies like Fisker. The extended-range EV manufacturer recently reported issues with the supplier's products, but A123 says it has determined the cause of the defective cells and is working to make sure the failures don't reoccur.

The report also suggests A123 Systems will lower its revenue forecast for the year to $145 million to $175 million. The company originally projected it would generate between $230 million and $300 million.

A123 Systems posts $125 million net loss originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 14 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a123a123 systemsa123 systems profitselectric vehiclefiskerlithium ionplug-in hybridMon, 14 May 2012 18:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237857/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237857/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/a123-systems-posts-125-million-net-loss/20237857/article-detail.xml 20237857 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/a123-logo-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/a123-logo-250.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker says expert's theory on garage blaze is incorrect]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/fisker-says-experts-theory-on-garage-blaze-is-incorrect/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/fisker-says-experts-theory-on-garage-blaze-is-incorrect/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/fisker-says-experts-theory-on-garage-blaze-is-incorrect/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fisker Karma plug

"Our technologies and engine design have been fully tested and certified at the highest level. It is irresponsible and ill-informed for technology pundits to suggest otherwise in order to secure media attention for unfounded claims."

So says Paul Boskovitch, director of powertrain at Fisker, in response to reports that the Karma's tight engine bay packaging may be the reason one car was blamed for a garage fire in Texas. Those statements have been attributed to Jon Bereisa, CEO of Auto Lectrification. Lending credence to the theory is the fact that Bereisa formerly served as chief engineer for the General Motors EV1 and systems architect for the Chevrolet Volt.

While Bereisa isn't exactly what we'd call an 'ill-informed technology pundit', Fisker has provided an in-depth defense of its Karma sedan in a statement provided to Automotive News. You can read more about it here, but the gist is that the car has been thoroughly tested and engineered not to bust into flames - as you might expect of any new car - and that it has been "fully tested and certified at the highest level."

In any case, we're willing to wage a significant sum that we'll be hearing more from all sides of the argument in due time.

Fisker says expert's theory on garage blaze is incorrect originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 14 May 2012 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fisker karmaelectric vehicleev firefiskerfisker firefisker karmafisker karma firekarmakarma fireplug-in hybridMon, 14 May 2012 15:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237721/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237721/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/fisker-says-experts-theory-on-garage-blaze-is-incorrect/20237721/article-detail.xml 20237721 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/fisker-karma-plug_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/fisker-karma-plug.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla will start repaying loans by end of this year]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/tesla-will-start-repaying-loans-by-end-of-this-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/tesla-will-start-repaying-loans-by-end-of-this-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/tesla-will-start-repaying-loans-by-end-of-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,



A week after Tesla Motors announced it would be able to deliver the first Model S in June, a month ahead of the original July release date, the startup automaker continued the good news by announcing it will start repaying the Energy Department loans it got in 2009.

The $465 million loan was part of the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing program meant to encourage the creation jobs and cars using little or no fossil fuels. Fisker, Ford and Nissan were also participants receiving loans under the program.

As of March, 2012, Tesla reported having $104.5 million left of the loan, which is expected to be spent before the fourth quarter begins. Payments on the half-billion loan will begin in December.

"We are delivering on the milestones, what we've committed to," said Tesla Chief Financial Officer Deepak Ahuja in an interview with Bloomberg. "Once we are delivering customer cars, then that signifies completion of the project."

With the first Model S delivery taking place soon, Tesla is also focusing on its retail strategy. In charge of sales and ownership is former Apple executive George Blankenship. His plan for Tesla is to have only company-owned stores where well-trained company reps will interact with customers. Actual sales will take place online, not on the sales floor. Employees will not get a commission on sales, which should help tone down the usual hard-sale tactics of car salespeople.

"It takes the whole not-selling-the-car process to another level," Blankenship told Automotive News. "We're telling customers, 'I can't sell you a car today if I wanted to.'"

Tesla will start repaying loans by end of this year originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 14 May 2012 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleatvmbatteryelectricgeorge blankenshipmodel steslatesla loanMon, 14 May 2012 13:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237480/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237480/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/tesla-will-start-repaying-loans-by-end-of-this-year/20237480/article-detail.xml 20237480 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/teslamodels_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/teslamodels.jpg <![CDATA[EVS: Why Toyota set sales numbers for RAV4 EV at just 2,600]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/evs-why-toyota-set-sales-numbers-for-rav4-ev-at-just-2-600/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/evs-why-toyota-set-sales-numbers-for-rav4-ev-at-just-2-600/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/evs-why-toyota-set-sales-numbers-for-rav4-ev-at-just-2-600/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

toyota rav4 ev

Last week, Toyota unveiled the all-new RAV4 EV and announced two important numbers: a $49,800 MSRP and a sales target of just 2,600 over the next three years. There's more to the story, though, as told to us by Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of Toyota Division at Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. The short version is that Toyota has taken the Prius lesson incredibly seriously.

We are the first to market with an SUV and we think that counts for quite a bit.

To wit: in creating the new Prius family, Toyota listened to the Prius rejectors about why they were not going to buy a Prius. They wanted more room (now see the Prius V) or a lower price (Prius C). Carter said that the strategy worked, and that 79 percent of Prius C buyers and 67 percent of Prius V buyers are new to hybrid technology. The Prius Plug-In went through the same process, going on the road for over two years before launch. The hybrid represents Toyota's "small battery approach to electrification" and has sold surprisingly well thus far. With the RAV4 EV, Carter said, "We've created a compelling product," with "full Toyota quality," he said. Even though the RAV4 EV went from concept to production in less than two years. A typical vehicle takes almost four years. "There was no template for this project. There were no guidelines. Just a challenge to bring to market a premium EV. Toyota and Tesla engineers both rose to that challenge," he said.

Continue reading EVS: Why Toyota set sales numbers for RAV4 EV at just 2,600

EVS: Why Toyota set sales numbers for RAV4 EV at just 2,600 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 14 May 2012 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob cartercindy knightcompliance carelectric vehicleevsevs26rav4rav4 evtoyotatoyota rav4toyota rav4 evzevzev mandateMon, 14 May 2012 11:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237352/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237352/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/evs-why-toyota-set-sales-numbers-for-rav4-ev-at-just-2-600/20237352/article-detail.xml 20237352 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/evs26-toyota-rav4-ev-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/evs26-toyota-rav4-ev-628.jpg <![CDATA[Why your next car may not come with a CD player]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/why-your-next-car-may-not-come-with-a-cd-player/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/why-your-next-car-may-not-come-with-a-cd-player/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/why-your-next-car-may-not-come-with-a-cd-player/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Michael Arbaugh, chief designer of Ford interiors, describes center console space as "oceanfront property" - already fully populated, with more tenants trying to move in every year. Speaking to the Automotive Press Association in Detroit, Arbaugh said one tenant he'd like to evict is the CD player because it's dead weight for audio Luddites.

Ok, so he didn't say that exactly. But Arbaugh believes they're out of fashion with people under 30, and that growing lack of interest means they occupy space that could be better employed. They also add weight that has to be countered somewhere else in the march to meet CAFE regulations, an endeavor with nearly aerospace tolerances anymore.

The CD-less car is just talk at the moment but there's no doubt it's coming. More and more computers are being sold without optical drives, and as it goes in the tech world so it shall go in the car-tech world. If we could just get carmakers to properly integrate connections for other PMPs that can play lossless codes and don't mutilate the music, then we wouldn't mind at all - especially since weight savings is one of the best ways to improve fuel efficiency.

Why your next car may not come with a CD player originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 14 May 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd playerfordinteriorinterior designlight weighttechnologyweight reductionMon, 14 May 2012 09:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237320/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237320/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/why-your-next-car-may-not-come-with-a-cd-player/20237320/article-detail.xml 20237320 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nocdplayer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nocdplayer.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley Continental GT V8 hits 24 mpg highway]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/bentley-continental-gt-v8-hits-24-mpg-highway/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/bentley-continental-gt-v8-hits-24-mpg-highway/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/bentley-continental-gt-v8-hits-24-mpg-highway/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bentley Continental GT V8

Let's get this off our chests right off the bat: There's nothing truly efficient about the Bentley Continental GT. That said, we're at least pleased to see that the marque has decided to outfit its luxurious supercar with a smaller and more fuel efficient engine option.

The Bently Continental GT with the W12 is rated at 12 city/19 highway on traditional premium, 8 city/14 highway on E85, and easily less than that on an excited right foot. When we drove the Continental GT V8 at launch we were told that official EPA mileage could be rated as high was 24 mpg on the highway, and that, even with the right-foot factor, would be a generous improvement over the W12 for sacrificing just 67 horsepower and almost nothing in performance. It turns out Bentley told the truth, the official EPA numbers are 15 city/24 highway.

According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 12 combined mpg of the W12 is raised to 15 combined with the V8. Better yet, drivers will save $1,000 on premium unleaded every year, the V8 needing $3,400 worth of the explosive liquid, the W12 needing $4,300. On top of the fact that the V8 is roughly $18,000 less than the W12, with those annual savings you'll be able to add a couple more ties to your collection every year, or one bespoke shoe. Start with the right foot - that's where the action is.

Bentley Continental GT V8 hits 24 mpg highway originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 14 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley continentalbentley continental gt v8continentalcontinental gtcontinental gt v8fuel economympgMon, 14 May 2012 08:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237319/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237319/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/bentley-continental-gt-v8-hits-24-mpg-highway/20237319/article-detail.xml 20237319 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/bentleycontinentalv8mpg_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/bentleycontinentalv8mpg.jpg <![CDATA[Zero Motorcycles prove resilient in crash-marred TTXGP weekend, take top three spots]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/13/zero-motorcycles-prove-resilient-in-crash-marred-ttxgp-weekend/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/13/zero-motorcycles-prove-resilient-in-crash-marred-ttxgp-weekend/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/13/zero-motorcycles-prove-resilient-in-crash-marred-ttxgp-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Last weekend's TTXGP motorcycle races were proof that sometimes, slow and steady wins the race. Not that the four "eSuperstock" Zero S ZF9s were slow - ok, they are a bit sluggish compared to their superbike upperclassmen - but their reliability conquered all, allowing them to sweep the podium. How's that?

TTXGP is holding two races at each event and aggregating the scores. Michael Barnes easily won the first race on his "flying banana" from Lightning Motors but suffered from a malfunction in the second and retired, resulting with him finishing the weekend with 25 points. Tim Hunt, riding the #89 Lightning bike, had a DNF in the first race and won the second, scoring 25 points as well.

Martin Szwarc, Kenyon Kluge, and Kyle Schumacher finished each contest in 2nd, 4th, and 5th, respectively, giving them more points than the Lightning riders. And the trophies. It seems eSuperstock is not a separate class, as we supposed in our pre-race post, but rather, a "production specification category." Yeah, it's confusing.

However bad the Lightning crew might have felt after being shut out, they still fared better than Brammo. After putting down a few laps quicker than last year's record pace, rider Steve Atlas high sided on turn seven. While able to walk away from the crash, Atlas had six fractured vertebrae and was in no condition to continue. Luckily for the team, the bike was soon race-ready and Steve Rapp stepped up to the plate. It was shaping up to be an exciting race with the former Mission Motors rider running close behind the Lightning machines, when disaster struck again in turn seven and the Brammo Empulse RR went down on the low side. Steve #2 suffered a broken wrist and the weekend was over for the team. Such is racing.

Hopefully, the field will be a bit more crowded when the North American edition of the TTXGP gets to the Portland International Raceway on June 23. Besides a recovered Steve Atlas, Shelina Moreda will be joining the Brammo boys. In the meantime, scroll below for footage of the first race from the bike of weekend winner Martin Szwarc, as well as an additional video featuring Michael Barnes riding the Lightning in qualifying.

Continue reading Zero Motorcycles prove resilient in crash-marred TTXGP weekend, take top three spots

Zero Motorcycles prove resilient in crash-marred TTXGP weekend, take top three spots originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 13 May 2012 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brammoelectric motorcycle racingelectric vehicleesupersportlightning motorsMartin Szwarcsteve atlassteve rappttxgpzero motorcycleszero s z9Sun, 13 May 2012 15:38:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20235742/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20235742/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/13/zero-motorcycles-prove-resilient-in-crash-marred-ttxgp-weekend/20235742/article-detail.xml 20235742 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/zero-s-at-ttxgp-infineon-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/zero-s-at-ttxgp-infineon-628.jpg -1 2