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Autoblog Green

EMXGP inaugural race will be held in Barcelona this October

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This October, the center of the zero-carbon racing universe would appear to be Spain following the announcement by the eGrandPrix that the inaugural EMXGP will, with apologies to Paris, be held in Barcelona on the 16th and 17th of that month. Of course, one race does not a center-of-universe make and so we remind you, gentle reader, that the TTXGP Grand Final takes place the following weekend down the road in Albacete. The competitions will bookend a Zero Carbon Transport Conference in sunny seaside Barcelona that will be a "unique global gathering of experts, enthusiasts and industry to share ideas, explore solutions and make new partners."

With lots of details about the race yet to be announced, there is still lots of time for speculation about what vehicles will enter. While there has already been mention made of Tesla Roadsters and even the Ruf Greenster, the photo accompanying this latest news reminds us of another contender who had already stated their intentions to join the fray; Saba Motors. Their Marlin 5EXi-based Carbon Zero roadster wouldn't appear to have the numbers (0-60 is a leisurely five seconds) to out-duel their Californian competitor, but they have over six months to get their game face on. Let us know who you would like to see beating the pack on Spanish streets in the comments section after the break.

[Source: eGrandPrix | Source image: Tango7174 - C.C. License 2.0]

EMXGP inaugural race will be held in Barcelona this October originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A123 Systems gets battery supply contract for Navistar-Modec JV

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Modec electric truck - Click above for high-res image gallery

The joint venture that was formed last year between Navistar and Modec has selected A123 Systems to develop and produce lithium ion battery packs for its trucks. Modec is a British company that has developed a dedicated electric drive medium duty truck chassis. Navistar will be building the Modec trucks in Wakarusa, IN for the North and South American markets.

A123 Systems will be building the packs at its new factory in Livonia, MI that is scheduled to open this month. The goal is to give the Navistar-Modec trucks a 100 mile range on a single charge. A123's battery technology is capable of absorbing energy at high rate so that it can be fast charged without degrading the lifespan. This could be very beneficial to the commercial users of such vehicles because they don't want them sitting idle while waiting for a charge.


Gallery: MODEC - Electric Delivery Van


Gallery: EVS23: Modec electric delivery truck


[Source: A123 Systems]

Continue reading A123 Systems gets battery supply contract for Navistar-Modec JV

A123 Systems gets battery supply contract for Navistar-Modec JV originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Markey and Reed: opening up carbon-based energy sector will bring jobs, lots of them

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Just how important are plug-in vehicles (PHVs) to America? According to Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA, pictured), the chairman of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, and Reed Hundt, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission from 1993-1997, PHVs are one of the three items that can potentially revitalize the U.S. economy with millions of new jobs. Markey and Reed write at TPM:
Nothing will pull innovation into the energy sector more than wind farms demanding better storage technology, solar farms demanding better ways of capturing and converting sunlight into electricity, and appliances and electric vehicles that can talk to the grid if it is smart enough.
Markey and Reed take their inspiration from the "market-opening Telecommunications Act of 1996." They believe that the Waxman-Markey bill, which passed the House in June, is the kind of law that can do for the carbon-based energy sector today what the Telecomunications Act did in the mid-'90s. That is, encourage "private investment in a 21st century energy economy built on alternatives such as wind, sun, biomass and geothermal." When we replace the old networks (literally then, and literally and figuratively now) with something clean and green, we will see billions of private money stimulate the overall economy. Or so they say.

[Source: Talking Points Memo]

Markey and Reed: opening up carbon-based energy sector will bring jobs, lots of them originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Duracar's Quicc DiVa saved from bankruptcy, production could start soon

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Duracar Quicc! Diva - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been a long and difficult road for the the Dutch Duracar. From its origins as the Innovan in 2007 to a name change to Quicc DiVa from Duracar in 2008 and then to a bankruptcy filing in 2009, there's been good and bad news to report as the electric van has tried to make it in the real world. For 2010, the story has taken a positive turn thanks to news that Duracar's bankruptcy procedure has been canceled.

Reportedly, Flemish shareholder Carl Pauwels stepped in and paid off all creditors and Duracar is now looking for new investors. CEO Wim Steenbakkers is optimistic that the story will continue to get better, telling ADP News that he expects to start producting electric cars by the end of the year.

The Quicc DiVa a lightweight, battery-powered van made using recyclable plastic and designed for delivering goods in an urban environment. In the past, we've heard that a potential lithium ion iron phosphate battery could move the van for 90 miles between charges and deliver a top speed of 75 miles per hour. The Amsterdam City Council recently unveiled a new Electric Transport Project subsidy will cover up to 50 percent of the additional electric vehicle cost that entrepreneurs and companies in the city will spend to exchange standard ICE vehicles with all-electric ones. Thanks to Peter for the tip!


Gallery: DuraCar Quicc DiVa


[Source: ADP News]

Report: Duracar's Quicc DiVa saved from bankruptcy, production could start soon originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Work Truck 2010: Nissan working to bring NV200 to U.S., electric version possible, too

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Nissan Light Commercial Electric Vehicle sketch - Click above to enlarge

At the Work Truck 2010 show in St. Louis today, Nissan Americas president Carlos Tavares announced that the company is working to bring its recently launched NV200 compact van to the U.S. market. The NV200 would join the new full-size NV vans in Nissan's commercial vehicle lineup as a competitor to Ford's new Transit Connect. Tavares didn't provide any indication about possible timing for an American introduction for the smaller van.

In another parallel to Ford's small commercial vehicle program, Tavares indicated that an electric version of the NV200 could join the Leaf in Nissan's American zero emissions lineup. The electric NV200 was initially announced by CEO Carlos Ghosn at the Tokyo Motor Show. So far, Nissan has only released a single sketch of an electric NV200 although we would expect a concept to appear in the coming months.

[Source: Nissan]

Work Truck 2010: Nissan working to bring NV200 to U.S., electric version possible, too originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Another Prius accelerates unintentionally in New York and crashes

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Not one day after a high-profile incident involving a Prius taking off on its owner in Southern California, we're hearing reports that another one of Toyota's popular hybrids has suffered unintended acceleration in New York. This time, instead of the car eventually succumbing to the will of its braking system, it crashed into a stone wall. Fortunately the owner was reportedly just pulling out of her driveway in Harrison, NY and the car only accelerated across the street, though the collision allegedly sent "some pretty big boulders" flying, said one police chief.

The 56-year-old driver reportedly suffered non-life threatening injuries, and like the incident in Southern California a day earlier, a floor mat trapping the accelerator pedal has been ruled out as a cause. The 2005 model year Prius' driver side floor mat was reportedly tied to the seat base with plastic ties.

The 2004-2009 Prius is included in an earlier Toyota recall for floor mats that may entrap the accelerator pedal, but the Japanese automaker does not have a fix ready for the cars, which may include reshaping their pedals, replacing floor mats and altering the shape of the floor. These cars are not, however, included in Toyota's other major recall involving drive-by-wire accelerator pedal assemblies that could stick due to wear and other environmental conditions. That leaves no obvious explanation as to why these two Prius models took off on their owners. Toyota has stated it will join California and the U.S. government in investigating the first vehicle, though hasn't commented on whether it will investigate the vehicle in New York yet.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Report: Another Prius accelerates unintentionally in New York and crashes originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Hyundai i-flow concept could become Euro i40 in 2011

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Hyundai i-Flow Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai's Geneva Motor Show concept, the plug-in hybrid i-Flow, is expected to spawn a new production car for the European market called the i40 in early 2011. The i40 will be a D-segment model meant to compete with the likes of the Ford Mondeo and Opel Insignia. Oddly, that puts it in the same size segment as the recently launched Sonata. It's not clear if the i40 will be sold instead of the Sonata in Europe or alongside it. Since Hyundai hasn't released dimensions of the i-Flow (at least not that we have seen) it could also be a replacement for the slightly larger Azera.

The production i40 is expected to debut with an estate/station wagon body style followed later by a sedan. It's not known if the diesel-hybrid (or the gas hybrid of the Sonata) powertrain of the concept will make it to production, but automatic start-stop will be there.



Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Hyundai i-flow concept could become Euro i40 in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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V-Vehicle's DOE $250m loan application still in limbo, so $87m in state incentives are lost

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We have yet to see anything more from V-Vehicle Co. - the secretive start-up automaker that came out of stealth mode last summer with a big plan to build high-mileage, environmentally friendly vehicles - than the teaser image you see above and a short video (watch it here). We heard that the company has been operating since 2006 and has financial backing from T. Boone Pickens, Al Gore and Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers and that we could see production vehicles as early as the end of 2010/beginning of 2011.

Well, whatever is happening in Louisiana, where V-Vehicle is hoping to make cars at an idled GM plant, it appears things aren't running smoothly. NOLA.com is reporting that the company has missed a deadline to qualify for $87 million in state incentives because it did not get approval for a federally backed loan in time. V-Vehicle is asking the Department of Energy for $250 million in low-interest Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing program loans and had expected to hear back from the DOE last fall. Company officials now say they expect things to be cleared up before the month is over and that V-Vehicles is in "the final stage of the ATVM loan process." We'll see.


Gallery: V-Vehicle Co. video grabs


[Source: NOLA.com via TheCarConnection]

V-Vehicle's DOE $250m loan application still in limbo, so $87m in state incentives are lost originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Porsche intent on building 918, if it's profitable

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Porsche 918 Spyder concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

With all the leaks ahead of auto shows these days, it's not often that we get a real surprise anymore. There was one such event at this year's Geneva Motor Show, though: the Porsche 918 concept. The compact and powerful plug-in hybrid roadster was also the biggest hit of this year's show. There's even better news, though. Porsche CEO Michael Macht told Autocar magazine that the company is intent on producing the 918.

The key is that the car has to be profitable. Porsche won't build the 918 as a loss leader just to get it out there. It's not clear if Porsche would build the 918 with the same powertrain shown on the concept or a more conventional system. In all likelihood the hybrid system will be retained in order to demonstrate that a supercar can be built that meets modern emissions and fuel consumption demands. If the 918 happens, it could appear within five years.



[Source: Autocar]

Report: Porsche intent on building 918, if it's profitable originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Delta Motorsport's E-4 Coupe concept racing for Automotive X-Prize

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As the Automotive X-Prize program slowly proceeds toward its conclusion, only one European team remains in the competition. Delta Motorsport is a British engineering consultancy born out of competition, specifically motorsports. The car it has been developing for the X-Prize is one of the few going for the big prize in the mainstream class. The X-Prize mainstream class requires vehicles with four wheels and seating for at least four. These vehicles must be designed to meet safety regulations and be able to be sold in profitably in high volumes.

Interestingly, Delta Motorsport refers to its E-4 coupe as an ultra-low energy vehicle, which is totally in keeping with the point of the contest. A large vehicle converted to electric or hybrid vehicle still uses a lot of energy although the energy generation and emissions happen remotely from the vehicle. Delta has developed its vehicle to minimize its total energy use.

The E-4 is claimed to get 250 miles on a charge and the prototype is going through final preparations before the evaluation begins in Michigan at the end of April. The E-4 is not Delta's only electric project. The firm also worked with Westfield on its iRacer that was shown in Geneva. Check out Delta's E-4 blog to follow the progress.

[Source: Delta Motorsport]

Continue reading Delta Motorsport's E-4 Coupe concept racing for Automotive X-Prize

Delta Motorsport's E-4 Coupe concept racing for Automotive X-Prize originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Feds probing Prius' unintended acceleration incident, no new recall issued

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The fall-out of yesterday's Toyota Prius unintended acceleration incident in California - a car got up to speeds of over 90 miles per hour in a 20-minute event - now includes an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA has dispatched two investigators to look into what happened, while Toyota is sending three technicians. The car was towed to a Toyota dealership today after being held overnight by the California Highway Patrol. One new bit of information reported by the AP is that the car had "a little hiccup" with the accelerator a few weeks ago. The driver claims that the floormats were not a cause of either acceleration.

We certainly don't think that this incident is like a new OJ moment for hybrids or green cars, but we can only imagine the discussion inside of Toyota HQ about the rumors and hype surrounding the troubles. Earlier today, for example, we heard that the second-gen Priuses had been recalled. This hasn't happened (yet), and Toyota is working on a fix for the thousands of hybrids included in the 4.36 million vehicles recalled last November. How yesterday's incident fits into the picture remains to be seen.

[Source: AP]

Report: Feds probing Prius' unintended acceleration incident, no new recall issued originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Do it for the kids us: vote in Treehugger's 2010 Readers' Choice Awards

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

2010 might only be a few months old (wait, it's already a few months old?!?), but Treehugger is ready to declare the best of the year with their 2010 Readers' Choice Awards. In the Cars & Transportation category, there are some interesting possibilities, like the Best Upcoming Electric Car (choices include: the Nissan Leaf, the Mitsubishi i MiEV, the Tesla Model S, the Chevrolet Volt or the Ford Focus EV). We have a more difficult time deciding who is the Best Agent of Change:
  • Steven Chu (Secretary of Energy)
  • Elon Musk (CEO of Tesla Motors, chairman of SolarCity)
  • Carlos Ghosn (CEO of Nissan and Renault)
  • Steve Fambro (Aptera)
We think Chu is certainly making a difference with the DOE loans, but Ghosn (a recipient) is putting words into action. Thoughts?

Oh, and there's a Best Transportation Website category, too. AutoblogGreen is in the running, along with Green Car Congress, HybridCars.com, Gas2.0 and EcoModder. We're not too proud to beg, so please go vote for us! See all the categories here.

[Source: Treehugger]

Do it for the kids us: vote in Treehugger's 2010 Readers' Choice Awards originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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KAIST's On Line Electric Vehicle draws energy from the road, now in use in S. Korea

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In September, the Korea Advanced Institute of Technology (KAIST) demonstrated the technical concept for the On Line Electric Vehicle (OLEV) using individual cars (which were really kind of cute - see them here). Today, the KAIST launched an actual prototype electric train that draws energy through non-contact magnetic charging from power strips embedded in the road. The train, with three cars, is now in use at an amusement park in Gwacheon, south of Seoul. The power strips are only required in 400 meters of the 2.2-kilometer (1.4-mile) route, or about 18-20 percent of the total distance. KAIST will build a larger system in Seoul for buses if the technology in the train proves successful.

Why is all this important? Because, by drawing energy from the road as it moves along, the train can use a battery that is only 20 percent as large and powerful as would otherwise be required. There's a serious cost reduction as well - with the cost shifted to installing the power strips into the road. Overall, the total cost for electric vehicles is about a third of what standalone electric vehicles cost. KAIST president Suh Nam-Pyo had high praise for the technology:
The potential for application (of this technology to public transport systems) is limitless. I dare say this is one of the most significant technical gains in the 21st century.
Thanks to Roy B. for the tip!

[Source: Physorg]

KAIST's On Line Electric Vehicle draws energy from the road, now in use in S. Korea originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ballard gets $6.2M in DOE funding for non-automotive fuel cells

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Ballard fuel cell forklift - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Ballard Material Products has received the bulk of $6.2 million in Department of Energy funding for research work into fuel cell materials aimed at cutting the cost and improving durability of the electro-chemical energy generators. Ballard Material Products is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Ballard Power Systems. Ballard will be looking at the causes of material degradation in fuel cells and ways to reduce or eliminate it.

While a fuel cell stack itself has no moving parts (aside from the pumps and compressors feeding and scavenging it) the coatings on the plates do get damaged during use by reactions with impurities in the hydrogen. Water collecting and freezing within the stack can also cause damage. Computer modeling of the gas and water flows may lead to new designs that help to improve the efficiency and durability of stacks. Ballard's work will be targeted at non-automotive applications such as stationary power generation and material handling systems.


Gallery: Vancouver 2009: Fuel cell forklift


[Source: Ballard Power Systems]

Continue reading Ballard gets $6.2M in DOE funding for non-automotive fuel cells

Ballard gets $6.2M in DOE funding for non-automotive fuel cells originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Owning an Electric Car prepares and enlightens

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Ever wonder what it is really like to own an electric car? Before rushing out to buy that new Nissan Leaf or Mitsubishi i MiEV (or what have you) it might be a good idea to know what to expect. And what better way to learn about the advantages and drawbacks of living with a battery-powered vehicle than to read a book written by someone who not only has a couple, but who has spoken with many other owners about the experience as well as manufacturers. Owning an Electric Car by Michael Boxwell is that book.

In just under 200 pages, Mr. Boxwell covers everything from dealing with range fixation to exactly how "green" an electric is when it's charged from a coal-powered grid. You can also learn which new vehicles are coming to market or what to look for when if your potential purchase is previously owned. To get a sneak peek at the first chapter, learn a bit about the electric vehicles and even ask him a question directly, check out the book's website. Bonus video of the author conducting an environmental efficiency test with his two electrics awaits you after the break.

[Source: Owning an Electric Car]

Continue reading Owning an Electric Car prepares and enlightens

Owning an Electric Car prepares and enlightens originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T agrees to buy at least two Ford Transit Connect Electric vans

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Ford Transit Connect Electric - Click above for high-res image gallery

The all-electric Ford Transit Connect Electric utility van became available for ordering during the recent Chicago Auto Show and Azure Dynamics, the company in charge of converting and selling the trucks, has announced that AT&T will be the vehicle's "Lead Customer" with an order for two units.

AT&T announced about a year ago that it would spend up to $565 million to introduce 15,000 alternative fuel vehicles to the company's fleet over the next decade, starting with CNG vehicles. AT&T's first electric vehicle, a Smith Electric Vehicles Newton, joined the fleet last November. For the run-down on the Transit Connect Electric, including our first drive report, read this.


Gallery: Ford Transit Connect Eletric at Chicago Auto Show


[Source: Azure Dynamics]

Continue reading AT&T agrees to buy at least two Ford Transit Connect Electric vans

AT&T agrees to buy at least two Ford Transit Connect Electric vans originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Turbocharging helps grow CNG vehicle market in Europe

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Fiat Qubo Natural Power - Click above for high-res image gallery

Vehicles running on compressed natural gas (CNG) have been gaining in popularity in Europe in recent years, largely because of the reduced operating costs. Natural gas is much less expensive in Europe than either gasoline or diesel fuel. It also has an advantage over the liquid fuels in that it burns cleaner with almost no particulates.

One downside to CNG is that, like ethanol, it has a lower energy content than gas or diesel which tends to hamper the range and increase consumption. American owners of the Honda Civic GX are familiar with the range limitations. Also like ethanol, it has a higher octane rating; CNG is rated at 130.

Manufacturers are now designing and tuning engines specifically to optimize them for CNG use. Many of the newer CNG engines, like those from Volkswagen, are turbocharged. By running higher boost levels and using direct injection, the engines can get more of the energy out of the fuel, allowing down-sizing, better efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions. In addition, European-market CNG vehicles are typically bi-fuel, retaining their gasoline fuel systems. This allows drivers to keep going even when there isn't a CNG filling station nearby.

So far, the only significant interest in CNG in the U.S. has been for commercial and transit uses where the vehicles operate out of central depots where they can be filled up.


Gallery: Fiat Qubo Natural Power

090911_f_qubonaturalpower_02090911_f_qubonaturalpower_01

[Source: Ward's Auto World]

Turbocharging helps grow CNG vehicle market in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Second-gen Prius involved in unintended acceleration incident in CA *UPDATE

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Amid all of its other problems recently, Toyota is trying to figure out what, exactly, is wrong with the brakes on the Prius. An incident on the San Diego County freeway makes it look like the second-generation Prius might (repeat, might) be involved in the unintended acceleration issue that has affected other Toyota brand vehicles. At this early stage and without much information, no one can say for sure what happened, but James Sikes, the driver, claims:
I pushed the gas pedal to pass a car and it did something kind of funny... it jumped and it just stuck there. As it was going, I was trying the brakes...it wasn't stopping, it wasn't doing anything and it just kept speeding up.
The car got all the way up to 94 miles per hour before a combination of emergency braking, pushing the brake pedal all the way down and a steep incline allowed Sikes to turn the car off and coast to a stop with the assistance of a California Highway Patrol officer.

Sikes said he recently took his second-gen Prius to the dealer, but was told it wasn't on the recall list (which is true, although the third-gen is). He told the local news that he's taking his car to the dealer again and won't drive it any more until he gets some answers about what happened. Toyota has sent a field technical specialist to investigate. You can watch a local news report on the incident here. Thanks to Tohe for the tip!

*UPDATE: NHTSA is also investigating.

[Source: AP]

Second-gen Prius involved in unintended acceleration incident in CA *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay find of the Day: all-electric 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa conversion

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It's not an original Electrovair, but it is a 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa that was converted to all-electric drive and it is currently up for auction on eBay. We're not sure what the performance specs for this car are, but it looks good, thanks to fresh marina blue paint, a new interior and replated bumpers, among other visual enhancements.

Under the hood, the car has a 144V AC 24 conversion kit made by Electroauto. That kit alone costs around $10,000, without batteries. The car for sale has 18 eight-volt lead acit batteries "mounted as low as possible for good balance." We don't know how far or fast the car can go (the seller is worryingly quiet about these numbers), but Electroauto says its conversions can often reach 90 miles per hour and have a range of 50 miles (depending, of course, on duty cycle, configuration and battery pack).

Whatever the car's final cost might be, the seller if offering to take $1,500 off if you don't want the Hurst wheels with redline tires and opt for stock rally wheels. The seller also says the car has just 200 miles on it, which we take to mean since the conversion. The car is located in Fullerton, CA, but we can pretty easily imagine parking it in our garage (and upgrading those cells!). With about a day left in the auction, the bids are up to $10,900. The Buy It Now prices of $39,000 remains unused. Thanks to Dutch for the tip!

[Source: eBay]

eBay find of the Day: all-electric 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa conversion originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Nissan has 56,000 pre-orders for all-electric Leaf

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Nissan Leaf - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to BusinessWeek, Renault-Nissan's CEO Carlos Ghosn said recently that his company has 56,000 orders for the Leaf in the United States. The car will be available late this year, and Ghosn said that real mass production will start in 2012, when the alliance plans to have capacity to 500,000 electronic vehicles in Japan, Europe and the United States. Ghosn, who is totally bullish on electric vehicles, told BW that:
Frankly, I mean so far there is no competition. Let's be serious. It's not because someone is coming with a prototype and one car that this is competition. The question is how much capacity are you building.
We know that Nissan is pushing hard to get electric vehicles onto the road and that people are excited for the Leaf, but we can't help but wonder if something got lost in translation somewhere with that 56,000 pre-order number. Just a month ago, Nissan announced that 50,000 people had signed up to be on the reservation list and that pre-orders would not start until April. That list allows people to move to the head of the line when it comes time to order the Leaf, but it's not an official intent form.


Gallery: 2010 Nissan LEAF


[Source: BusinessWeek via Treehugger]

Report: Nissan has 56,000 pre-orders for all-electric Leaf originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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