<![CDATA[Jalopnik: electric cars]]> http://tags.jalopnik.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/jalopnik.com.png <![CDATA[Jalopnik: electric cars]]> http://jalopnik.com/tag/electriccars http://jalopnik.com/tag/electriccars <![CDATA[Chrysler Kills ENVI Electric Car Program, Shocks No One]]> Remember the fake electric car program Chrysler showed off earlier this year in a transparent attempt to get bailout money? Fiat just canceled the entire ENVI program. So predictable. Frankly, we're more shocked Chrysler still exists.

This doesn't mean Chrysler isn't still working on electric cars, but as Kicking Tires points out, they're just not working on the three battery-electric vehicles — the ENVI program — they unveiled to great incredulity at this year's Detroit Auto Show are DOA. [Automotive News, Kicking Tires]

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<![CDATA[Gordon Murray Announces T.27 Before T.25 Even Built]]> Gordon Murray's busy hiding the T.25 City Car from view, but he's unveiled plans for his next project, the T.27. It'll supposedly be the most efficient all-electric vehicle in the world with aims at ditching everything we think about EV's.

What you see above is not the T.27, it's the latest mule version of the aforementioned T.25, but the newest member of the growing Gordon Murray Design family will borrow heavily from the lessons learned with that project. In order to achieve their target of "most efficient EV in the world," they plan to ditch a lot of what we take for granted in EV's. and are partnering with Zytek, one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of electric motors in the world, to develop and all-new motor and gearbox for the car. It'll also use simplified lightweight construction the same iStream manufacturing process planned for hte T.25. In other words, when we cut through all the hullabaloo of a formal announcement, it's probably an EV version of the T.25. [DailyMail]

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<![CDATA[Toyota FT-EV II Concept: Weirdo Electric Daily Driver]]> The iQ-based Toyota FT-EV has been given a truly bizarre styling tweak for its second generation, set to debut later this month at the Tokyo Motor Show, resulting in a cabin that looks like a Narnian spaceship.

The Toyota FT-EV is supposed to be the everyman electric car, providing highway speeds of 60 MPH and distances of approximately 60 miles per charge. Not bad. But we're not sure where the freaky airship controls, gold interior, or pink turn signals fit it in. Typically, a car gets more realistic as you move closer to production. Not so for the FT-EV II.


[via Toyota]

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<![CDATA[1976 Sebring-Vanguard Citicar]]> Welcome to Down On The Street, where we admire old vehicles found parked on the streets of the Island That Rust Forgot: Alameda, California. 500+ vehicles into this series, we've finally got an electric car!


And we're not talking about some lame-o golf cart or even a Tesla- this is a highway-legal, 3.5 horsepower Citicar, one of the lone bright spots of the Malaise Era. Most of the time, I can't find the owner when I'm shooting a cool street-parked Alameda car, but I spotted this car just as its owner, Tom, was getting ready to run some errands around town. He was happy to show off his commuter's features, and even took me for a little drive around Alameda's downtown. Alameda High was just getting out for the day, and this Citicar got more attention from teenage girls than all the Lamborghinis in the world put together- take note, high school dudes looking for a project car that will help you score with the ladeeze! You can learn more about this car here.

The car has pretty decent acceleration and is surprisingly comfortable (at least, when the weather is nice). While the top speed is only about 36 MPH, that's just about perfect for getting around Alameda; most of the island has a 25 MPH speed limit, and parking is often tough for big cars.

First 400 DOTS VehiclesDOTS FAQ

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<![CDATA[REMINDER: Do Not Put Gasoline In Your Electric Car!]]> MINI's added a special sticker to the charger ports on their MINI E reminding drivers not to put fuel in it. Perfect time for a JaloPSA to remind everyone that electric cars and gasoline do not mix.

We would like to point out that back when we drove it here in New York, we didn't need a silly "No Fuel" sign. That is all.

Photo Credit: Edmunds Inside Line

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<![CDATA[VIDEO: Drew Barrymore In Jay Leno's Reasonably-Priced Electric Ford Focus "Race Car"]]> Jay Leno, in a bout of what we've gotta believe is advertiser capitulation, described the prototype electric Ford Focus to his first celeb-driver, Drew Barrymore, as an "electric Ford Focus race car." On what planet is this a race car?

Apparently on Leno's planet it is. But take a look at the video below — the Barrymore interview begins at the end of the second commercial break — about 24:00 minutes into the show. The actual drive on the Candyland-sized and -styled race track occurs after the third commercial break — or at about 26 minutes into the show.

All we know is we really like hearing Drew Barrymore say she likes feeling anything in her face. Also, we find it sad Barrymore doesn't have a license. Very sad.

But seriously, this is such a joke — it's nothing like "star in a reasonably-priced car — and that's why this'll never work. It's like a pandering version of it. Which, frankly, is sort of like Leno's humor.

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<![CDATA[Plugging In Electric Cars: Frankfurt Promotes Latest Fetish]]> Germans (not pictured) are notorious fetishists, which is why it's no surprise that they should be a part of the latest and most eco-friendly kink: plugging-in electric cars. The gallery below is only NSFW if you work at Radio Shack.

Photo Credit: VOLKER HARTMANN/AFP/Getty Images
Photo Credit: THOMAS LOHNES/AFP/Getty Images
Photo Credit: THOMAS LOHNES/AFP/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Miguel Villagran/Getty Imagesm>
Photo Credit: TORSTEN SILZ/AFP/Getty Images
Photo Credit: TORSTEN SILZ/AFP/Getty Images
Photo Credit: THOMAS LOHNES/AFP/Getty Images
Photo Credit: THOMAS LOHNES/AFP/Getty Images
Oh No! The dragoning has begun!
Photo Credit: TORSTEN SILZ/AFP/Getty Images</e

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<![CDATA[Toyota: Electric Cars 'Too Expensive' For Mainstream Consumers]]> The Frankfurt Motor Show has seen the debut of numerous electric cars, but Toyota execs went out of their way to critique electric cars as too pricey for the average buyer.

Toyota has long been associated with the green car movement with its fleet of popular hybrids but has been less active than others on the electric car front. This hesitance is apparently based on tests the company undertook before determining the technology was too expensive to replace their brand of hybrids.

"Electric vehicles of today are less costly than in 1990s, but if you compare them with the other vehicles out there they are still too expensive," Toyota Exec VP Takeshi Uchiyamada told a crowd at the Frankfurt Motor Show. "Unless there is a very big breakthrough in battery costs I don't think electric vehicles can take a large market share."

It remains to be seen if this is experience talking or Toyota is just being protective of the technological advantage it currently has, but it's worth noting they brought an electric car to the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year.

[Forbes]

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<![CDATA[Styletto EV Concept Surprisingly Lacking In Style]]> Designer Cornelis Steenstra of design firm ForeSee is passing around these renderings of the Styletto EV — a 200 MPH+ all-electric supercar with a design straight out of 1999.

Steenstra GCM wants to debut the prototype at the 2010 Pebbe Beach Concours d'Elegance with intended production set for 2013. Let's hope they can achieve the stats they want with an exterior design that doesn't make us think of Spy Vs. Spy.

[World Car Fans via Steenstra GCM]

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<![CDATA[Takanobu Ito Claims Honda Will Introduce Battery Electric Vehicle By 2015]]> Honda President claims the automaker will introduce a battery electric vehicle by 2015. [GreenCarCongress]

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<![CDATA[Electric El Camino Our New Favorite Electric Car]]> Move over, Tesla. This home-brew Electric El Camino may only achieve a top speed of 85 MPH with its 100 HP motor but it's still the coolest electric car we've ever seen.


Tom Leitschuh of Wisconsin has done what we've all only dreamt of: dropped 46 lithium-ferrite phosphate batteries and a big 'lectric motor into the best car ever built (well, a first-gen would have been cooler, but this'll do).

This 1981 El Camino was in good shape when it landed in Leitschuh's shop and, after 200 hours and $30,000, he created this 33 killowatt-hour beast. As an owner of an electronics controls shop he was able to do the work himself and describes the acceleration as "quick." Who cares? When you're driving something this spectacular you want to slow down and enjoy the "ooohhhs" and "ahhhhhs" as you pass.

And to top other electric car owners, Leitschuh gets all of the power for his car from his wind turbine and solar-barn. Green has never looked better.

[TDL Electronics via Wired:Autopia]

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<![CDATA[Homemade Tilting Electric Car Built For $500]]> The homemade Balanced-Over-Batteries car works like a skateboard tilting its chassis when it steers. The electric car's batteries are slung underneath the cockpit as counterweights and the whole thing leans 45 degrees. Oh, and it was built for only $500.


The B.O.B. is built predominately from found and reused components - the front and rear differentials come from Pintos, the brakes are old Yamaha bike units and the twisting/steering mechanism comes from a helicopter's tail rotor gearbox.

Each differential is connected to two motors, one for each wheel, while the vehicle mimics the action of a two-speed gearbox by switching voltage between 36 and 72 volts.

Retired auto mechanic Robert Lange built all this in his backyard and, once he figures out the time investment, reckons he spent less than $500 on the whole thing. [via Diseno-Art]

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<![CDATA[Dodge Circuit EV Not Yet Dead?]]> Car and Driver's reporting the Lotus Europa-based Dodge Circuit EV electric car may not be dead after all, proven by multiple sightings of test mules at Chrysler's various testing facilities.

Chrysler's been adamant that the Circuit EV program wasn't killed back in May and Car and Driver has now uncovered a few more details of the program. They sat down with Chrysler ENVI president Lou Rhodes to discuss various details of the ENVI program is progressing.

In a similar move to Tesla, and one that makes perfect sense; Lotus will produce the Circuit EV in the UK and then ship it to the U.S. for installation of Chrysler's electric powertrain. That powertrain has yet to reach a final build spec as they are undergoing constant modifications including a recent advancement that has cut the 0-60 mph time by nearly half a second.

Chrysler has stated a sales target of 100,000 for their full range of ENVI vehicles, enough to make a decent return on all the costly technology in place. With those numbers, Chrysler could potentially undercut the theoretically similar Tesla Roadster by "tens of thousands" of dollars.

We've been slightly suspicious of the Circuit EV ever since its initial debut, but if Chrysler can pull it off along with the rest of the ENVI program then color us impressed. [Car and Driver via All Cars Electric via Autoblog]

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<![CDATA[T3 Motion CT3: Three-Wheeled Electric-Fauxmino]]> Okay, it's not a real car yet, but the T3 Motion CT3's an all-electric city car with a top speed of 45 MPH and designed to compete for the Progressive Automotive X-Prize. It also sports a funky semi-El-Camino rear end.

T3 isn't new to the world of electric vehicles, providing dorky electric chariots to police forces and whoever thinks Segways are too cool. Now they're branching out into passenger-type vehicles, with the CT3, a three-wheeled electric car using the companies patented controller unit and Lithium-Polymer battery pack. When looking at the above render, pay no attention to the swiped and resized Chevy Camaro Concept wheels and that the rear one is on backwards, those are mere trifles. What's important is the goofy, semi-camino-ized fastback shape that gives the CT3 a strong aerodynamic performance. The car will be aimed at winning the Progressive Automotive X-Prize which sets a target at 100 MPG for a consumer car, this one plans to hit it with the energy equivalent of the 100 MPG measure.

ELECTRIC 3-WHEELED CT3 AIMED AT COMMUTER VEHICLE MARKET

COSTA MESA, Calif., June 30 — T3 Motion, Inc., has proudly unveiled their latest electric vehicle, the "CT3." The stylish CT3 is based on T3 Motion, Inc.'s LSV/NEV, the CT Micro Car. The CT3 is the latest electric vehicle designed, developed, and manufactured by California-based T3 Motion, Inc. With over 3,000 field hot swap-able Lithium-Polymer batteries and 1,200 electric vehicles in the service since 2006, T3 Motion, Inc. has solidified its role as a global leader in Electric Vehicle Design, Battery Technology and Power Management Systems.

After the successful launch of the professional-grade T3 Series Electric Stand-up Vehicle (ESV) designed for law enforcement and security applications, T3 Motion, Inc. quickly followed up with the 2008 debut of a four-wheel LSV/NEV targeted at Public Safety, the CT Micro Car. Less than a year later, T3 Motion, Inc., has rolled out the three-wheeled CT3 which reflects T3 Motion, Inc.'s vision for the future of personal commuter and professional fleet transportation.

In an era of fluctuating fuel prices and the need to maximize Returns on Investment, T3 Motion, Inc. electric vehicles represent cost-effective, environmentally-friendly opportunities to transport people, gear, and cargo. "Made in the USA" clean technology continues to be forecasted as a growth sector in not only the current economic climate but also the future.

"The CT3 represents our latest vision for electric vehicles from T3 Motion, Inc. From bumper to bumper, from wheels to roof, we are very excited for the future of vehicles like the CT3," said Ki Nam, T3 Motion, Inc. C.E.O. "Our T3 Motion Power Management System is at the heart of the CT3. What we have learned from the T3 Series ESV and CT Micro Car NEV, we are applying to the CT3. The result is T3 Motion's first true consumer level vehicle."

A version of the CT3 is competing for the Progressive Automotive X Prize in the Alternative Vehicle Class. The "CT3-S" is specifically designed and engineered to be capable of speeds up to 80 miles per hour yet delivering the energy equivalent of over 100 miles per gallon.

"We are very honored to be competing in the Progressive Automotive X Prize. It is energizing for T3 Motion, Inc. to be alongside so many different interpretations of creating the 100 mile per gallon car," said Ki Nam, T3 Motion, Inc. C.E.O. "With electricity being the most readily available source of fuel today, our zero gas emission CT3-S exemplifies the 'real world' opportunities electric vehicles have both today and in the future."

About the CT3:

The commuter version of the CT3 will be limited to speeds up to 45 m.p.h. [72 k.p.h.] and is designed with T3 Motion, Inc.'s proprietary Power Management System. The CT3 features all-wheel drive, full front and rear suspension, full front and rear independent hydraulic disc brakes and a compact design—perfect for daily commuter "around town" applications.

The quiet environmentally-friendly zero gas emission vehicles include regenerative braking, highly rigid aluminum frame for maximum strength versus weight ratio, impressive ride quality, and distinctive T3 Motion, Inc. styling.

For information and sales updates, please visit www.t3motion.com.

About the Progressive Automotive X Prize:

The Progressive Automotive X Prize features a diverse group of 111 teams that have made it to the first round of qualifications. The teams represent 136 vehicle entries and 14 different fuel sources, from 25 U.S. states and 11 countries all competing to be a legitimate 100 miles per gallon commuter vehicle. Established automakers, emerging start-ups, universities and inventors are among those represented. All of the teams are competing for $10 million, judged in stages throughout 2009 and into 2010. Please see progressiveautoxprize.org for more information.

[Source: T3 Motion]

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<![CDATA[Pre-Production Chevy Volt Plugged In, Testing In Real World]]> The first pre-production Chevy Volt "Integration Vehicle" was completed this week ahead of schedule. Looks like GM's putative four-wheeled electrified savior is getting closer to reality.

The Chevy Cruze-based development mules will slowly be replaced by these close-to-production Volt bodied prototypes, marking a huge leap forward in the step to electrified propulsion. GM's says that it will build up to 80 Volt prototypes for testing out on public road over by October which will help engineers sort out all the little issues with the vehicle before it goes on sale to the public.

Andrew Farah, GM's Chevy Volt Vehicle Chief Engineer wrote in a Volt blog post;

We're producing a few Volts per week now, but we'll quickly ramp up to 10 per week and will have approximately 80 pre-production vehicles built by October. By exceeding our own pre-production deadlines it allows us additional time to refine the vehicle. We've already discovered a few small tweaks we need to make, but nothing out of the ordinary for this stage of development.

With pre-production Volts now running around Metro Detroit, who's up for a game of Volt-spotting?

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<![CDATA[Maya 300: The Electric Car ExxonMobil Wants You To Drive]]> The Maya 300 is an all-electric five door hatch built in Mississauga, Ontario with either a 60- or 120-mile range and a top speed of 30 MPH. The interesting part is it's packing ExxonMobil technology.

The Maya 300 is the result of collaboration between Maya, battery supplier Electrovaya, and technology backer ExxonMobil and is currently heading for fleet sales and possibly an urban car sharing scheme in Baltimore, Maryland. Its Electrovaya lithium ion batteries utilize ExxonMobil's co-extruded separator film to pack energy into the smallest possible size yielding a 12 kWh battery with a 60 mile range or a 27 kWh battery good for 120 miles. The car is motivated via a 15 kW permanent magnet motor (that's a stampede of 20 HP to the rest of us). Recharge times are 6-8 hours on 110V and half that at 220V.

The car is currently certified by the DOT for low speed use, thus the artificial 30 MPH speed limit, but engineers are confident it will meet all federal regulations for freeway capable vehicles as it's equipped with an all-steel body, safety cage and air bags. The intention is to have a Federalized car available to the public for around $20-25,000 in 2011. It's currently making the rounds at the Maryland Science Center, which will be launching their localized ride share and electric car rental program on August 1st, but you can get a ride between now and then with the purchase of a museum ticket.

ZERO VEHICLE EMISSIONS, ALL-ELECTRIC VEHICLE NOW COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE


Baltimore leads nation with all-electric car program

Baltimore, MD – June 23, 2009 – Baltimore today became one of the nation's first cities to feature an electric car share and rental program using advanced lithium ion battery technology developed by ExxonMobil. The Maryland Science Center with sponsors Electrovaya and ExxonMobil announced the program, called Altcar, which will raise awareness among Baltimore residents and visitors of the future of energy efficient transportation.

The Maryland Science Center also opened a new energy efficiency exhibit, sponsored by ExxonMobil, which includes hands-on activities for children and a full-scale car that showcases the numerous energy saving technologies currently being used by the auto industry.

"The Maryland Science Center is proud to play a central role in today's historic announcement. The launch of this program fits perfectly with our mission to educate the public on scientific advancement," said Van Reiner, CEO of the science center. "Consumers have shown a demand for car sharing programs around the U.S., and it is a logical next step to utilize this business model to demonstrate the growing desire and need for energy efficient transportation that is key to addressing environmental concerns. The new exhibit also will be crucial to helping expand the knowledge of our visitors on this critical and important topic."

The electric car being used in the science center's Altcar program is the new Maya 300. This vehicle can be fueled using a standard household electrical outlet and can drive up to 60 or 120 miles before recharging. The five-door, five passenger urban vehicle, is equipped with the safety, performance, and convenience features common to gasoline-powered cars. Starting June 24, under the program, Baltimore residents and tourists can rent these vehicles at the science center in the Baltimore Inner Harbor during the day to drive around the city to experience the feel of an electric vehicle.

"With our friends at the Maryland Science Center and ExxonMobil, we are demonstrating that creative collaborations are essential to finding innovative solutions that will help meet our future energy needs, create new jobs and protect our environment," said Sankar Das Gupta, president and chairman, Electrovaya.

A public company based in North America, Electrovaya's mission is to accelerate clean transportation as a commercial reality using its advanced power systems for all classes of zero-emission electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The Maya-300's advanced lithium ion battery uses separator film developed by ExxonMobil that significantly enhances the power, safety, strength and reliability of the lithium ion battery.

The lithium-ion battery separator film is one of the many innovative technologies that ExxonMobil has developed to increase the fuel efficiency of vehicles.

"ExxonMobil has a long, rich history of developing energy resources in an environmentally, socially and economically beneficial manner and we are proud to be a part of this program that supports innovative new technologies," said Jim Harris, senior vice president, ExxonMobil Chemical. "This program, coupled with the state-of-the-art exhibit, demonstrates our commitment to improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the globe."

The ceremony today took place at the science center and was attended by Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon and Malcolm Wolf, director of the Maryland Energy Administration. Both expressed their gratitude for the science center's leadership, as well as their support for innovative collaborations – such as that between Maryland Science Center, Electrovaya and ExxonMobil – that introduce clean energy choices that dramatically reduce environmental impacts.

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Fact Sheet: Maya 300

About the Maya 300

The Maya 300 is one of the first lithium-ion battery powered electric vehicle to be launched in the world and is now unveiling a four-passenger lithium-ion powered vehicle in North America. Run entirely on electricity, the zero emission vehicle can drive for up to 120 miles without recharging. Due to the combination of exceptional energy density of the lithium ion batteries and the high performance of the electric drive system, the vehicle has impressive handling and acceleration.

The five-door, four-passenger vehicle is equipped with the safety, performance and convenience features common to gasoline-powered cars. These include:

Car Safety

  • Dual airbags
  • Anti-lock brake system
  • Steel body construction

Battery Safety

  • Battery designed to shut down flow of electricity if overheating occurs
  • Technology to prevent short circuits

Performance

  • High torque acceleration and handling at low speeds
  • Automatic transmission
  • Front-wheel drive

Convenience

  • Climate control (AC/heating system)
  • Power windows

What Sets the Maya 300 Apart

The Maya 300 brings many firsts among battery operated cars:

  • Different look than the traditional battery car: The Maya 300 is the size of a traditional subcompact car and can easily fit four adult passengers, with seatbelts, airbags and everything else you would expect from a traditional car.
  • Advanced battery technology: Most of today's hybrid and electric vehicles still run on yesterday's heavy nickel-metal-hydride batteries. The Maya 300 is powered by a Lithium-Ion SuperPolymer® battery, made by Electrovaya. The lithium-ion polymer technology platform enables lithium to be moved faster and more efficiently, allowing more energy to be stored in a smaller space.
  • Accessibility: Electrovaya minimized the battery's space requirements and eliminated the need for an enormous battery. A conventional lead acid battery pack would take over 5 times the space and weight of the Electrovaya battery pack.
  • Solely battery operated: Unlike the plug-in hybrids that switch over to gasoline after a certain mileage, the Maya 300 can drive for up to 120 miles on a single charge.
  • Affordability: The Maya 300 will be offered with the option of the standard battery pack that can drive for up to 60 miles on a single charge at a little under $25,000 USD. An extended 120 mile range battery option is also available for a little under $35,000 USD.

The Maya 300 also offers features that gas-powered vehicles do not, including:

  • Inexpensive recharging: The Maya 300 is recharged by plugging a simple extension cord into a standard 110V outlet found in most homes.
  • Low maintenance costs: The Maya 300 does not have many of the conventional maintenance requirements of gasoline-powered vehicles, such as oil changes, filter changes and engine tuning. Maintenance for the Maya 300 is restricted to refilling windshield washer fluid, rotating tires and replacing brake pads.
  • Instant climate control: Unlike gasoline-powered heating systems, the Maya 300 electric heating system provides instant warmth without having to wait for the engine to heat. The cooling system will behave the same way as standard automotive air-conditioning systems.

ExxonMobil's Role

The ExxonMobil Separator Film

The Maya 300 battery uses a separator film developed by ExxonMobil that significantly enhances the battery's power, safety, durability and reliability. ExxonMobil's co-extruded separator film increases the power, capacity, mechanical strength and safety margins of lithium-ion batteries.

The ExxonMobil film squeezes multiple layers of plastic into a thin membrane, enabling the battery to run at higher temperatures and produce more power. The film makes lithium-ion batteries, such as the Electrovaya battery, practical for consumer use.

The separator film exhibits a unique combination of properties including enhanced permeability, higher meltdown temperature and melt integrity, without compromising the quick shutdown performance and mechanical strength. The higher meltdown temperature significantly increases the film's thermal safety margin.

ExxonMobil's Commitment to Energy Efficiency

The lithium-ion battery separator film is one of the many innovative technologies that ExxonMobil is advancing to increase the fuel efficiency of vehicles. ExxonMobil innovations and technology led to the introduction of the world's first lithium-ion battery in 1991.

ExxonMobil is systematically working to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the manufacturing and use of its products, in the U.S., and around the world.

  • The company's advanced fuels, lubricants and specialty products are designed to help engines run cleaner and more efficiently.
  • ExxonMobil introduced a synthetic lining material that reduces weight and helps tires maintain proper air pressure, two important components in reducing fuel consumption.
  • The company is developing new technologies to improve the efficiency of internal combustion engines by up to 30 percent.
  • It is also developing an onboard hydrogen generation system that can be used in a fuel-cell vehicle to improve fuel economy by 80 percent and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45 percent, compared to today's vehicles using conventional fuel.

Maya 300 Availability

Electrovaya will be rolling out the Maya 300 first through sampling programs and government fleets.

The Maryland Science Center will be offering an all-electric car-sharing and rental program in Baltimore, featuring cars that look and feel like traditional gasoline-powered cars. Baltimore residents and visitors will be invited to rent the Maya 300 giving consumers the opportunity to become familiar with the all-electric car.

Through their subset potential users, there will be ongoing communications to educate consumers on what electric cars can do, and what needs to happen to bring them into the mainstream.

About Electrovaya

Electrovaya is a public company, based in North America, whose mission is to accelerate clean transportation as a commercial reality with its advanced power systems for all classes of zero-emission electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. It is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of lithium-ion batteries, such as those used in the Maya 300.

About ExxonMobil Chemical

ExxonMobil Chemical is one of the world's premier petrochemical companies with manufacturing, technology, and marketing operations around the world. The company delivers a broad portfolio of products and solutions efficiently and responsibly, with a commitment to create outstanding customer and shareholder value. ExxonMobil Chemical endorses the principles of sustainable development, including the need to balance economic growth, social development and environmental considerations. To learn more, visit www.exxonmobilchemical.com

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<![CDATA[Peugeot Metromorph: An Un-Car For People Who Don't Like Cars Anyway]]> Can’t stand these future-of-the-car capsules, correct? They’re not for you! But give them to the people who knit sweaters while driving Camrys and us car geeks will have more space and more petrol.

Drag a car-like contraption straight out of Minority Report that climbs down the wall from your apartment, has never seen a drop of gasoline and very probably drives by GPS in front of an audience of petrolheads and the Peugeot lion on its grille will experience a sudden role reversal. Unlike its live ancestors in the heydays of the Roman Empire which fed on Christians and gladiators in stadia, it will soon find itself on the other end of the food chain.

Except consider for a moment the utility of concept cars like this, designed by Roman Mistiuk for Peugeot. One of the main problems with the modern automobile is that the majority of them are purchased and used by people who couldn’t care less about cars. Yet they use up cubic miles of gasoline, take up all the space and create a market for annoying nanny-features.

What if the people who solve crossword puzzles behind the wheel, stuck in rush hour traffic, could have pods like the Peugeot Metromorph? They could focus their attention on 4-Down, Common British butterfly. GPS satellites could guide them to their destinations. And cars would become like horses, freed from the need to serve a vehicles of transport and transforming en masse into vehicles for fun.

Source: Yanko Design

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<![CDATA[Production All-Electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gets Eye-Popping $47K Price]]> The long-brewing, all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV has finally gotten the production green-light and a sale price. It's a rather bracing $47,000 for the Japanese market. Spendy, but no gasoline necessary is a pretty killer feature, right?

The production i-MiEV looks a whole lot like the ones that've been running through fleet testing and the press gambit for a while, so the styling isn't much of a shocker, the price is a bit on the steep side for a fairly compact ride though. However, it is the first to market with a new electric vehicle available to the general public. Well, first in a relative sense, since electrics were around in the early parts of the 20th century, and again in the 90's, and in the Tesla... well okay, it's the first relatively cheap modern EV.

It's powered by a 64 HP electric motor with 132 lb-ft running off a 16 kWh lithium ion battery. With a total vehicle weight of 2,425 lbs, that puts the range at about 100 miles, depending on how heavy your foot is. Pretty good for a passenger EV, still, it'll be a while before we plunk down that kind of dough for a limited-range jellybean.

Mitsubishi Motors to Bring New-Generation EV i-MiEV to Market
Delivery to corporate, governmental and local authority users starts late July; Sales to individuals to start April 2010

June 4, 2009 —TOKYO —
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today, on World Environment Day, unveiled the production version of the i-MiEV1 2 new-generation electric vehicle (EV), describing it as "the pioneer that will open the door to the next 100 years of our automobile society." The i-MiEV will go on sale on the Japanese market in late July of this year.

The i-MiEV represents the crystallization of some 40 years of electric vehicle development at Mitsubishi Motors. The company is presenting the production i-MiEV as the ultimate eco-car, a solution to the various challenges the automobile faces today including environmental pollution, global warming and the depletion of petroleum-based energy supplies. The company will continue its extensive collaboration with both private and public sectors in Japan and overseas in developing infrastructure to promote ownership of EVs.

Mitsubishi Motors expects to distribute, on a maintenance lease3 basis, some 1,400 i-MiEV models in fiscal 2009 principally to corporations and to local authorities. The company plans to start sales of i-MiEV to individuals in April 2010 and will start taking orders on the Mitsubishi Motors web site in late July of this year.

1: MiEV: Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle
2: i-MiEV : For the full production model a hyphen has been added to the name by which the advance experiment and proving models have been known.
3: Maintenance lease: A lease in which the monthly payments include some of the taxes, insurance and maintenance costs.

The i-MiEV

i-MiEV : Overview
The i-MiEV makes maximum use of the long wheelbase that stems from its base model the "i" minicar's rear-midship layout to install a large capacity lithium-ion drive battery under the floor and the power unit under the luggage compartment. This provides a cruising range that is ample for everyday use without compromising the generous seating or luggage space of the "i."

The introduction of the MiEV OS (MiEV Operating System)4 - an advanced integrated vehicle management system into which the company has poured its wealth of know-how garnered from many years of EV research and development - has provided the kind of high performance and reliability that befits a new-generation EV.

4 Generic name for the integrated vehicle management system developed by Mitsubishi Motors for new-generation EVs.

Principal product features

1. Zero drive-time CO2 emissions
The i-MiEV is a zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) which produces no CO2 emissions while being driven. Even when the CO2 gas emitted at power generating stations is taken into consideration, the i-MiEV generates approximately one-third of the CO2 produced by the gasoline "i" minicar (Calculated in-house based on the average of electric energy frameworks in Japan).

2. Driven 100% by electrical power
The i-MiEV is very economical because it only uses electrical energy as its power source. Also, depending on electric power company rate fees, the running cost can be reduced further by charging the battery when off-peak (late night) rates apply5.
5An application must be submitted to the electric power company to qualify for domestic late night rates.

3. Quiet, agile, comfortable performance
The i-MiEV delivers the quiet and comfortable motoring experience only possible from an internal combustion engine-less EV. Maximizing the excellent response and high low-end torque inherent to its electric motor i-MiEV enables a level of responsive and powerful performance that surpasses that of the gasoline-powered turbo engine "i" minicar.

4. Ample range for everyday minicar use
The i-MiEV has a single-charge range of 160 km6 in the Japanese 10-15 mode urban driving pattern. This gives it a range that is ample7 for everyday minicar use.
6 Actual range will vary depending on weather conditions, road congestion and on how the driver operates his vehicle (use of accelerator, climate control system, etc.)
7 A nationwide survey in Japan indicates that on average 90% of car drivers cover less than 40 km/day on weekdays and that 80% cover less than 60 km/day at weekends and holidays (in-house research).

5. 3 ways to charge the battery
The i-MiEV uses a 3-way charging system that allows the drive battery to be charged at home or when out and about. For normal charging i-MiEV is connected to either a standard 100-volt or 200-volt domestic outlet using the charging cables supplied with the vehicle. The i-MiEV's battery can also be "quick charged" at quick-charge stations which are currently being established throughout Japan.

Charging time guide 8
Method Power source Time
Normal** 200V AC(15Amp) Approx. 7 hours (full charge)
100V AC(15Amp) Approx. 14 hours (full charge)
Quick 200V 3-phase (50 kW) (Using quick-charger gun) Approx. 30 mins. (80% charge)

8 Actual charging times may vary depending on such factors as air temperature and power source status.
** The normal charging gun and normal charging connector were jointly developed by Toyota Motor Corporation and Yazaki Corporation.

Advanced technology

1. Main powertrain components
(1) Drive battery
The i-MiEV is powered by a very high energy-density lithium-ion battery manufactured by Lithium Energy Japan9. The large-capacity drive battery is comprised of 88 lithium-ion cells connected in series and is installed under the floor in the center of the vehicle. This configuration contributes to outstanding handling and stability due to the car's low center of gravity.

9 Joint venture established on December 12, 2007 between Mitsubishi Motors, GS Yuasa Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation to develop, manufacture and sell large-capacity and high energy-density lithium-ion cells for EV use.

(2)Motor (power unit)
The i-MiEV uses a high-efficiency compact and lightweight permanent magnet synchronous electric motor specially developed for the vehicle. It generates maximum torque from low engine speeds to deliver powerful response and a comfortable ride experience. When the vehicle slows down the regenerative brake system causes the motor to operate as a generator. The electrical energy recovered is stored in the drive battery.

(3)Transmission
The i-MiEV uses a lightweight and compact single-speed reduction gear transmission, exploiting the high low-end torque inherent to the electric motor and eliminating the need for complex gear shifting mechanisms as found in internal combustion engine powered vehicles.

(4)On-board charger
The i-MiEV comes with a compact, lightweight on-board charger that allows the drive battery to be charged using a domestic 100V/200V AC line.

(5)DC/DC converter
The DC/DC converter is used to charge the 12-volt auxiliary battery and power electrical equipment. It is integrated with the on-board charger in a single unit to reduce size and weight.

(6) Inverter
The i-MiEV 's motor is driven by an alternating current. The inverter converts high-voltage direct current from the drive battery to alternating current and supplies motor with the power required to drive the vehicle.

2. Combination meter display
The combination meter instrument cluster is comprised of a power meter that presents a visual display of power consumption and energy recovery status, a drive battery residual charge indicator that indicates how much remaining power there is left in the drive battery, and an available range indicator that displays an estimate of how far the vehicle can be driven on the basis of average power consumption over the last few kilometers.

3. Shift selector
The shift selector provides the three positions described below that allow the driver to choose between maximum fun, maximum economy or maximum regenerative brake bias.

* D-position: Generates gutsy torque in direct response to accelerator input and allows the driver to enjoy i-MiEV 's performance potential to the maximum.
* Eco-position: Reduces power output and consumption to deliver maximum economy.
* B-position: Increases the regenerative brake bias. Power output is the same as for D.

4. Climate control
The i-MiEV 's climate control system features air conditioning with an electrically powered compressor and a heating system which circulates warm water heated by an electric heater. The control dial provides six-step manual adjustment of both cooling and heating temperatures. The system reduces power consumption by minimizing occasions when both cooling unit and the heater operate together.

5.Safety features

(1)Drive battery protected by sturdy frame
The high-voltage system, battery pack included, is located inside the body frame and is further protected by a well-crib frame against damage from any direction of impact.

(2) Integrated vehicle management system: MiEV OS
The MiEV OS (MiEV Operating System) gathers data and information from all the major EV components to provide integrated management of the i-MiEV 's performance. The advanced management system constantly monitors battery status and the energy recovered from the regenerative brakes while regulating output to ensure smooth and powerful acceleration from a full stop. As a result the system optimizes and minimizes energy consumption while delivering road performance that is comfortable, safe and reassuring.

Other equipment and trim

1.Body colors
The range of 8 body finishes includes monotones and two types of 2-tone color schemes.
(1)Monotones
Three monotone colors are offered: White Solid, Cool Silver Metallic and Raspberry Red Pearl (factory option).
(2) 2-tone schemes (factory option):

* Type A: The two 2-tone color schemes that have been used to date to highlight the i-MiEV 's originality are available: Red Solid / White Solid and Cool Silver Metallic / White Solid.
* Type B: In addition two new 2-tone color schemes are available.
"Clean image:" White Pearl / Ocean Blue Metallic and White Pearl / Mint Green.
"Premium image:" Cool Silver Metallic / Black Mica.

2. LED headlamps and rear combination lamps
The i-MiEV is the first minicar10 and the first Mitsubishi Motors model to use LED headlamps, which throw a longer and wider low-beam pattern while also cutting power consumption. The rear combination lamps also use fast-illuminating LED emitters for the tail and stop lamps, making these lamps more instantly visible to following vehicles.

10 As of end May 2009, according to Mitsubishi Motors research.

3. PBS-bamboo fiber Green Plastic tailgate trim
The i-MiEV uses PBS (polybutylene succinate)-bamboo fiber Green Plastic for the tailgate interior trim. The use of PBS-bamboo fiber cuts life-cycle emissions (from extraction of raw materials to final disposal of product) of CO2 by some 10 percent compared with polypropylene.

4. Mitsubishi Multi-Entertainment System (MMES)
The i-MiEV is available with the Mitsubishi Multi-Entertainment System (with a 7-inch display and SSD navigation) that is built around solid state drive (SSD) technology to offer outstanding power saving and shock resistant properties. MMES is a factory-fitted option. The navigation database can be updated using SD flash cards and the company plans to use this feature to display the location of battery charging stations as they become available.

Sales information (for Japanese domestic market)

Sales target: 1,400 units (fiscal 2009)

MSRP: JPY 4,599,000 (consumption tax inclusive)11
JPY 4,380,000 (ex-tax) 12

(Price does not include recycling fee, insurance, taxes other than consumption tax or registration costs.)

Sales contract type: Maintenance lease

11 i-MiEV qualifies for "Subsidies for measures designed to promote introduction of clean energy vehicles," currently implemented by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. For fiscal 2009, intending owners are eligible to receive a maximum subsidy of JPY 1,390,000 on approval of an application submitted to the Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Center (The intending owner must apply for the subsidy and receive notification of its approval before the vehicle is registered).

12 Under current Japanese tax incentives to promote the ownership of eco-cars, the i-MiEV is exempt from the excise and weight taxes normally collectable on purchase of a new vehicle.

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<![CDATA[No Chevys For Old Men: Lutz Vs. Letterman]]> After Tesla fan-boy Dave Letterman brought Tesla's Elon Musk on the Late Show and both of them ripped into GM, CBS called Letterman, saying, "Hey, jackass, don't you know GM advertises with us?" The result: outgoing product czar Bob Lutz brought the Chevy Volt to last night's show. Blow-by-blow below.

For starters, Letterman gave a mea culpa and introduction to Lutz, calling him one of the "true greats in automotive design, marketing, sales and management...he's the man responsible for the Viper...a wonderful car. He's here with the Chevy Volt...and with any luck I'll get one of these babies for free."

Next, after the break, Letterman talked a little about the EV1 and how it's not from the planet Saturn. Then he wondered if building electric cars would have kept some dealers open. If it had, then damn, that's just one more reason to keep the internal combustion engine in our minds.

Then, after a Stephen Colbert interview, Dave made a bad pun about an electric car from Saturn running rings around...yeah...it was a bad joke. But, then "Maximum" Bob Lutz came out — looking quite dapper in his standard "old man business casual" threads.

Lutz started by walking Letterman through his C.V., then moved on to talking about marine aviation and owning two jets — probably not the best way to be seen as a company making cars for average A.I.G.-hatin' Americans.

Now we get into the meat n' potatoes of the interview. Letterman starts by asking whether there's light at the end of the tunnel for the American automakers. Lutz responds by saying that yes, they'll be restructuring and come out the end of the tunnel "leaner and lighter."

Letterman doesn't powder-puff it per se, but he's not exactly hard-hitting. First asking what people losing auto jobs should be expecting, allowing Lutz to throw down with "jobs returning in time." Still, he's able to pivot into asking Lutz about whether this was Detroit mis-management that got us here. Lutz responds by claiming there's more at play and lots of blame to go around — gas prices being a big part of it, but also that U.S. automakers built some bad cars from the 60s, 70s and into the 80s. He finishes his answer by saying the best way to combat that perception is by building better automobiles. We couldn't agree more.

Lutz addresses the issue of CAFE first by talking about building the type of vehicles Americans want to buy and how that's a shifting target thanks to fuel prices and American desire for buying the biggest vehicle they can for the cheapest price. Next, he responds with a hell of a good analogy that we've clipped and have over on the left. Something about how fat people won't get skinny just because you mandate clothing makers only making skinny clothes. Cue the commercial break.

And we're back with Letterman asking whether the EV1 would have kept the company in business. Lutz responds by saying "Sadly, no." He details the cost per vehicle was probably well over $100,000 per vehicle — and that it was a money-losing proposition.

Now let's get to the crux of the debate — Musk's Tesla versus the Chevy Volt. Lutz talks about batteries, price and practicality are the reasons for why it's a better fit for the American public. He even gives pricing details saying it'll cost $40,000, minus a $7,300 tax credit. Let's watch that now — plus the Chevy commercial at the break to see why Letterman's throwing softballs in his old age.

Back from the break and Lutz showing off the Volt and stating it meets regulations for all countries of any kind. And then my DVR crapped out on me. Let's rate the performance on a five star scale with five being the best.

Bob Lutz staying on message: ****
He's got to lose one star for the whole "I own two jets" thing in the beginning, but overall, a helluva job for a 77 1/2 years-old white Swiss-born man who works for GM. No "global warming is a crock" quotes for us to have fun with.

Dave Letterman's balls: *
Where did they go? Did he lose them in surgery a while back? Seriously — even if he was woefully ill-informed in his questions, we'd expect him to at least ask them, right?

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<![CDATA[Tesla Now Worth Less Than Twitter]]> Daimler's 10% stake in Tesla for "double digit millions" pegs Tesla's value at less than a billion dollars and probably closer to $100 million. That means Tesla's likely worth less than Twitter!

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