But hey, you can get it in an array of Duplo-inspired colors and you can even get "work 'n' play" or "drive 'n' play" options, mixing fold-down seats, sat-nav and other goodies. When the features list includes "front and rear storage," you know there's going to be limited acceptance in the wider market. Expect to see the NICE car company sell their millionth car as gas prices reach $15 a gallon; no sooner. [Carscoop

Th!nk must have confidence in their batteries, because the City has power locks, a 4kW electric heater, electric windows, electric mirrors, air conditioning, an electrically heated windscreen, stereo CD with MP3, USB, Bluetooth, and even a navigation & multimedia system.

Believe it or not, Th!nk claims this really is a car, not just a quadricycle. At least, that's what they're telling folks at the British International Motor Show, where the car is debuting for the UK market. That means Jeremy Clarkson's favorite, the G-Wiz electric quadricycle, shouldn't feel directly threatened when the Th!nk City is first delivered to UK customers in summer 2009. No word on pricing yet, presumably because Th!nk wants you to sell you one based on "low operating costs" before they give you sticker shock.

PRESS RELEASE — The arrival on Britain's roads of the first fully electric-powered car moves one step closer today with the UK motor show debut of the new TH!NK city electric vehicle.

Displayed at the 2008 British International Motor Show at ExCeL London by Norwegian electric vehicle pioneers Think, a company with 17 years experience in electric vehicles, the new TH!NK city will be available for UK customer orders next summer.

TH!NK city is a true, modern urban car, not a quadricycle. It is a fully environmental vehicle, emission free and 95 percent recyclable. With an energy efficiency three times that of a traditional combustion engine car, it is a vehicle that realistically meets the growing challenges of environmental protection, traffic congestion and emissions legislation.

The two-seater urban car has a top speed of 65 miles per hour. It accelerates from zero to 30 mph in just 6.5 seconds and to 50 mph in 16 seconds. It requires just an overnight top-up of electricity and can travel for 126 miles in city driving on a fully charged battery.

To charge the batteries from 20 per cent capacity to 80 percent takes just four hours. Over 10,000 miles use, the total cost of electricity used to power a TH!NK city will be in the region of £100.

TH!NK city is designed to meet the strict safety requirements of both Europe and the USA, as a genuinely-safe road car. It is the world's only crash-tested and highway-certified EV. The car is equipped with ABS brakes, airbags and three-point safety belts with pretensioners and it surpasses all European and US requirements.

"Unlike the lower-range, electric quadricycles that have had limited success in the UK, the TH!NK city is a real car which provides a realistic option for those motorists who want to drive a true zero emissions car," said Richard Blundell, Managing Director of Think UK.

"Concern for the environment has been at the heart of the development of TH!NK city. It's not only environmentally sound to drive, but the car itself is designed to be recycled," he said, "Driving a silent car will give urban motorists a totally new experience. The TH!NK city produces no waste heat and no pollution. Critically for London and many other urban markets it beats the congestion charge!"

"Moreover, the TH!NK city is fund to drive, cheap to run, great to look at, generates incredible mileage figures and is extremely kind on the environment. This is a proposition that we believe will interest many drivers who are re-thinking their approach to motoring," he added.

Engineers, developers, buyers and designers in the Think company have focused on utilising clean recyclable materials and non-polluting production processes. The dashboard can be completely recycled. The fabrics, body, supports, air ducts, adhesives and fixings are designed using the same recyclable materials.

TH!NK city's body is made of recyclable ABS plastic, designed specifically for city driving. Not only is it ideal for motorists who want to avoid visible scratches and irritating dents, the unpainted, self-coloured plastic bodywork also reduces both energy consumption and toxins, while making the panels easier to recycle. The battery is returned to the supplier at the end of its useable life.

These factors have been warmly welcomed by the auto insurance industry, resulting in reduced auto insurance rates by as much as 30-50 per cent.

Standard equipment on each TH!NK city includes power steering, central locking, a 4kW electric heater, and electric windows and mirrors. Optional equipment will include air conditioning, a pre-heat timer, electrically heated windscreen, full length sunroof, Radio CD with MP3, USB, Bluetooth, a navigation & multimedia system, alloy wheels, roof rack and 2 + 2 child seats (including 3-point seat belts)

Production started this year in Norway, and the first batch of right-hand drive cars will be delivered to UK customers in summer 2009. Prices of the TH!NK city will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

The E7 is said to cost the equivalent of just over $79,000. That's a lot compared to the electric NICE Ze-O at $28,000, or even the $70,000 or so a traditional TX4 taxi will set you back. Especially when you can get a Chinese-built Geely TX4 for even less. But then, maybe the E7 is worth it to cab drivers looking to cut down on emissions and maintenance costs. [TheAutoChannel]

SSC claims they're working on a revolutionary power source that allows for up to several years between charging. We're assuming that they mean several years of actual use, and not just sitting around. Because, you know, we can put some fuel stabilizer in our car, park it, and not have to fill up for a while too. So, is this vaporware or soon-to-be-reality?

Jalopnik Snap Judgement: Everyone thought SSC was full of crap when the company announced they made the fastest car in the world, but it turns out they actually did. So maybe they really do have some tricks up their sleeve. We'll know more when the first prototypes roll out in February 2009. [Shelby SuperCars]

Details are sketchy, but the Star claims J.D. Power sources say suppliers are gearing up for an iteration of the Two-Mode Hybrid system used on the upcoming Durango/Aspen hybrids and shared with the Tahoe/Yukon hybrid. The report also states that a hybrid Toyota "Sierra" (which we're pretty sure means "Sienna") van is scheduled for 2010, and that diesel minivans from Honda and VW are on the near horizon.

Chrysler's foray into more-efficient vans could be as much for the company as for the consumer, since Chrysler remains near the back of the pack on total fleet fuel efficiency. Adding a hybrid van to the mix would be an effective (if expensive, on the order of $4,000 per unit) way to bump up CAFE numbers while older, larger models are being retooled or dropped completely.

Unlike Chrysler with its Two-Mode, and Toyota, who will presumably use a version of its Hybrid Synergy Drive in the Sienna Hybrid, Honda and VW are likely to exploit their diesel expertise in the Odyssey and Routan, respectively. Honda is reportedly readying a diesel Accord for 2009, providing it with a federally approved oilburner that could be used in Odyssey, while VW has access to its own diesels (which would be a bit small for minivan use) as well as the Mercedes Bluetec unit.

If the idea of a hybrid Grand Caravan or an Odyssey with 400 lb-ft of torque doesn't get you excited, hey, that's okay. What should get you excited is what's on display here: More evidence of the powertrain variety we can expect around the 2010/2011 model year. [Windsor Star]

The new Opel models will be built alongside the Chevy Volt atop the Delta II platform at GM's Hamtramck Assembly plant.

Jalopnik Snap Judgement: More models on the line makes sense as the Ham-town plant would be sorely underutilized if only building the Volt. Seems like the real story here is GM Europe using the US domestic market for labor. One would imagine Eastern European countries would be more attractive for building new models, but the dollar's valuation apparently makes up for the long product pipeline and higher shipping costs. Who would have thunk we'd become Europe's China? [MotorAuthority]

The gas-free Minis will be built in Oxford, England, without engines, gearboxes or fuel tanks. They will then be shipped to Munich, Germany, and fitted with electric powertrains. For now it seems that California will be the only market for these battery-powered Minis, but if gas hits ten bucks per gallon, we're gonna smuggle one over to Jalopnik HQ. [Automotive News]

Exploding batteries: Remember the flaming plug-in Prius from a few weeks ago? No, that wasn't a manufacturer-sanctioned ride, but it still plainly shows the dangers inherent in releasing unproven technology. The fact that GM has yet to name a supplier for Volt's lithium-ion battery pack (though we hear it'll be either Continental or CPI) is another red flag for the power source.

Embarrassing show mishaps: GM needs a win...and they need it to be a clean win, both on the stage and showroom floor. No panels falling off, stalls, massive oil leaks, fires, or collapsing spokes-robots on stage. Asking engineers to work 18-hour days in an effort to ready bleeding-edge technology for debut at a huge, public event, all while holding their jobs over their heads, is a recipe for disaster.

Gas price crashes: Let's not forget November is rapidly creeping up on us. This is an election year. Don't be terribly surprised if gas prices suddenly fall to earth in a magical, ballot-influencing Bullworth-like fashion in September. The result would be GM touting Volt's amazing fuel economy at the same time Tahoes again start flying off dealer lots.

Are any of these outcomes probable? No. Possible? Yes. [Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

Auto Motor & Sport, by way of Motor Authority, reported yesterday on a joint effort between the energy departments of two august establishments of hybrid research — the United States' Argonne National Laboratory and Sweden's Lindholmen Science Park. The $37 million program will work on developing new plug-in hybrid technology. Also, a better meatball! [Motor Authority]

And how much does this reek of a PR stunt? What automaker parks a mule for their new anti-gas secret weapon at an abandoned building that will some day be a store for the automaker? Can someone say a set-up? [TeslaMotorsClub via Autoblog Green]

Well, Volkswagen will work with the German government in experimenting with a fleet of 20 Twin Drive Golfs in 2010. Though evidently the Twin Drive just isn't green enough as is, so to further reduce emissions, the electrical energy required to charge the batteries of the experimental fleet will be generated from green resources such as windmills and hydro-electric dams. Of course, there are no plans for US export, or for any production at all at this point. But even though we're more easily excited about speed than with being green, we would totally rock one of these as a daily driver.
[carscoop, MotorAuthority]

In a piece of beautifully symmetric history, the Urban Electric was developed for the First Symposium On Low Pollution Power Systems Development held, basically, in the parking lot of an Ann Arbor, Michigan Marriott. The ultra-mini around-town runabout came in two wacky, Barris-inspired varieties as well: one with with a space-age lifting canopy entrance, and the other with an open-top featuring an Isetta-like swinging front door. As you can see, the Urban Electric had all the creature comforts the 1970's could offer — metallic paint, loads of plastic and chrome doo-dads on the interior, enough room to fit two stuffy-suited middle managers and even a curbside battery charger — the luxury! Expect to see the unveiling of the 2009 GM Urban Electric Car at the Second Symposium On Low Pollution Power Systems Development next year. [LostBrain and Wikipedia]

7. The Hummer H2 Golf Cart
This may be one of the most amazingly intricate golf cart conversions available and, with a 5.5 HP electric motor, it'll keep your gas prices down. In addition to looking just as tough as an actual Hummer H2, this raised chassis features a cooler, embroidered seats and burlwood touches. While you may blink at the $18,500 price, just remember how much more fuel efficient it is compared to a real Hummer. [Luxury Carts]

6. 1957 Chevy Bel-Air
For those who want a classic look, but aren't interested in the time and maintenance it takes to keep one looking pretty, may we suggest the the 1957 Chevy Bel-Air kit? This one fits over your existing golf cart and comes unpainted so that you can get it to match your lifestyle. For just $2,550, plus the cost of a used golf cart, how can you say no? [LuxuryGolfCarts

5. Electric Super Shuttle
Do you have a large family or consider yourself extremely popular? Considering launching your own bus company but lack the funds to fill up the average bus, which gets 2-3 mpg? Try the electric Super Shuttle, which can carry as many as 14 passengers and looks like a modern transit bus. It's also a good way to sneak into Disney World with your family. For just $19,900, can you afford not to buy it? [BadAssGolfCarts]

4. Bentley-esque Golf Cart
Since we doubt Bentley will ever license (like Hummer) the rights to their cars for the purposes of luxo-carts, we're glad someone filled the niche by designing a cart that looks like a bad Chinese knock-off of the Bentley Continental GT. Though the sport wheels are included in the $22,450 price, the CD player is going to cost you another $650. [Luxury Carts.com]

3. Tomberlin Emerge
If it's good enough for 50 Cent, it has to be good enough for some people. Another NEV, the Tomberlin Emerge is a highly customizable Jeep-like vehicle good for an electronically-limited 25 mph with a range of 30+ miles. Other than including seatbelts, one of the best features of the Emerge is its regenerative downhill braking system for those who live in hilly areas. The base price for one of these is less than $6,000, before chrome wheels. [Tomberlin]

2. Antique Fire Truck Golf Cart
What happens if someone's hummer golf cart bursts into flames? Call in the fire golf truck. More than just a body kit, this cart actually comes with oak ladders and flashing emergency lights. Assuming you're an actual firefighter, you can get your own personal crest added to the side of the truck. They even come with a full warranty. [Street Rod Productions]

1. 1932 Hi-Boy Electric Roadster
This eRoadster doesn't even pretend to care about golfing needs, going instead for the "neighborhood vehicle" approach. Depending on the gear ratio, this cart can achieve a top-speed of 45 mph and a range between 25 and 45 miles (though likely not simultaneously). While there's no enjoyable exhaust note, there's also no exhaust smell... because there is no exhaust. At just $5,950 over the cost of a new cart, it's still cheaper than most new electric cars. [AEV Golf Carts]

The new system integrates a 447 kW-capable, sodium-based battery from the GE locomotive division in place of the dissipative resistor system which previously was used to dump the heat of braking. Instead of wasting all that energy, the battery stores it up and uses it to get the mini-mountain moving again later. The truly brilliant thing about this program? GE is getting government bucks from the US Department of Energy to do it! [GE Research via Edmunds]

Mitsubishi will be sharing all sorts of technology with the Frenchies, like information on how to better prevent overheating batteries and how to better convert electric juice to drive power, as well as supplying lithium-ion batteries. Peugeot-Citroen will in turn supply Mitsubishi with, umm... foie gras and a rusty 2CV, perhaps?
[Reuters]

According to Fisker, a condition of his work with Tesla involved an arbitration clause in the case of a suit filed by the company. Wasn't that prescient? Both car companies continue to to propel themselves towards limited production, so we have a fun race between significant deliveries and the settlement of ongoing litigation. It's like Le Mans except much, much longer.

That's right, an It-amino! Well, they call it the Utility, but who do they think they're kidding? We haven't seen this kind of eco-mullet awesomeness since we saw Daryl Hannah's Biodiesel El Camino. The only downside is that the ute costs $25,000... which is a lot to pay for an oversized plastic golf cart.
[itselectric.com]

Our first introduction to Kleiner Perkins and the world of electric vehicles came with their investment in EEstor, a company based in Texas working on an electric battery for ZENN Motors. Unfortunately, the Canadian governor is making it hard for ZENN to sell cars in Canada. So as of now, things aren't looking great, though battery development continues.

Most recently, Kleiner Perkins came up with relation to the Fisker Karma Luxury Hybrid, which is a vehicle that piqued our interest due to its attractive proportions and relatively low price tag of $80K. Though the company has yet to experience the usual electric car delays, it is dealing with an incredible amount of litigation in the Fisker-Tesla girl fight. Will this delay production of the car? Maybe, maybe not.

Speaking of production delays, what about the Tesla roadster? Everyone was so excited about it but it has been delayed thanks to transmission problems, lawsuits, et cetera. Yes, they claim they're shipping production units now, but not only is it in low volumes, it's not even enough to fulfill the backlog of orders. Did we mention Tesla is backed by Kleiner Perkin's VC rivals at Draper Fisher Jurvetson.

And don't get us started on the 2011/2012/201X Chevy Volt. An ongoing development that is being backed by an OEM — thus it relies not-so-much on VC dollars so much as R&D dollars. When will we see a production version of that particular vehicle? Your guess is as good as GM's word.

But hey, a 65 mph-capable electric car with potentially a 110-mile range for $25K, which Th!nk is offering, doesn't sound bad. Excuse our skepticism, but we'll believe it when we see it clear all the hurdles and successfully market itself to the tens of thousands of consumer they're planning to reach. Do we want cars like this to succeed? Yes. Electric cars, hybrid cars, biodiesel cars... whatever. Is it good, then, that firms are putting up the bank for these projects? Yes. We're just glad it isn't our money.

If you want an electric car for the city, full hybrids like the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid can be driven in a way that they provide mostly electric power. While we're not huge fans of these hybrids in spirited driving, you can stretch a gallon of gas pretty far in slow city commuting. That's something.

[Photo: Th!nk]

...of a more powerful and lighter electric motor will be added to the mix. This motor is tiny at only 77 lbs, but it delivers 300 HP with 280 lb.ft. of torque. Mighty impressive, but then again, it better be for 100,000€. And by today's exchange rate that gives the Fetish a pricetag in 'merican bucks of about $14.2 million dollars. Or something around that.

[WorldCarFans]

With lithium polymer batteries holding enough juice for 124 miles, it's a little on the chunky side for a se7en, tipping the scales at 1,664 lbs. We're betting with all that torque available at zero RPM it will be a hoot on the track — if you can find a class for it. No word on the acceleration figures yet, and also no explaination as to why it seems to prefer hanging out in remote fields of grass. [Carscoop]

Why the heck didn't Jaguar put truck beds on their cars straight from the factory? Take the XJ-S, for instance: V12 torque, comfy leather interior, beautiful lines- in short, everything you want in a cartruck! Obviously, it falls to the Jaguar owner to deal with this shortcoming. Those of you who have been planning to build your own XJ-Schero can save many months of hard work by starting with this Rancheroized 1990 Jaguar XJ-S as the basis of your project. For some inexplicable reason, this car failed to sell for the chump-change price of two grand, and that means the seller is likely ready to deal! The seller, clearly unaware of the naming convention for cartrucks, has named this '90 XJ-S a "Jagmino," but the inclusion of a free '85 parts car makes up for the incorrect name. Yes, you get two Jags for the price of one here! There's no fuel tank, no back window, and no bed floor, and of course you get some funky E-Type carburetors to make things more interesting. Those minor headaches will be nothing compared to the pride you'll feel cruising your V12 Jagchero around town, however- a few repairs, some fabrication... how hard can it be? Thanks to BZR (who already has a PCH Tipster T-shirt) for the tip!

We like a V12 cartruck, that's for sure! But what if the future really will be about the electric car? You won't want to be caught driving weenie plastic bubblecars, and of course nobody is going to be able to afford the Tesla. No, if the electric-car future really happens, the Jalopnik-Approved™ approach will be something more along the lines of what Plasma Boy has done with his electric Datsun 1200. That's right, a drag racer that burns electrons! Of course, a rear-engined/rear-drive machine gives you better traction off the line, but that doesn't mean your high-voltage machine needs to be a VW or even a Porsche. Leave those machines to the conformists, because you'll be blasting out of the lights in this electric 1968 Renault 10 (go here if the ad disappears), which is available for just $1,500. What we have here is a 40-year-old French car with a 28-year-old electric conversion that's been sitting for decades, so you have to figure on at least a few hours of tinkering before it's ready to be used as an environmentally friendly daily driver. The daily-driver stage will be a temporary way station on your way to taking on Plasma Boy at the strip, however, and that means you'll need to get busy beefing up the chassis to handle the mighty torque of a monster electric motor and the weight of batteries. Hey, maybe rust isn't even a major factor here! Thanks, plus a half-credit towards a PCH Tipster T-shirt, to LTDScott.

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Environmentalists and electric car geeks are, understandably, a little peeved. They point to numbers by the American Lung Association that show the state could save more than $2 billion in health care costs and stop 300 people from dying early if every vehicle was a ZEV. It'll be interesting to see where the state exec will come down on this, as The Governator supports environmental legislation, historically. [San Diego Union-Tribune]

Nissan's "Denki Cube" Electric Vehicle Concept Brings Distinctive Spirit Into Play in New York Auto Show Debut

New York City is about to get a lesson in what happens when geography meets geometry - specifically, when the world, which is round, meets the Nissan Cube, which is essentially square. The occasion is the world debut of the Nissan Denki (Japanese for "electric") Cube Concept at the 2008 New York International Auto Show.

The lithium-ion battery-powered Denki Cube electric vehicle concept, which will be on public display at the Nissan exhibit at Jacob Javits Convention Center from March 21 through March 30, was created to draw attention to Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.'s (NML) global environmental efforts. It also serves as a preview of Nissan's future small car strategy for the North American market, which includes plans to sell a redesigned gasoline-powered, next-generation Cube at Nissan dealers in the United States and Canada beginning in 2009.

"The Denki Cube Concept is a fun way to expose American buyers to one of Nissan's most popular home market cars at a time when fuel economy and packaging efficiency are on a lot of people's minds," said Al Castignetti, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan North America, Inc. "Like the production Cube on which it is based, the Denki Cube Concept is boxy yet charming, fashionable and functional, and completely tuned in to today's needs for enjoyable efficiency."

About the Denki Cube Concept
In creating the Denki Cube Concept, the designers started with a well-defined canvas, the current-generation Nissan Cube. The iconic Cube has always been the antithesis of traditional automotive style - square, minimalist, asymmetrical and humble - yet also warm, relaxing, practical and undeniably charming. To this solid foundation, the Denki Cube adds a new EV powertrain and unique exterior and interior treatments.

The Denki Cube Concept's exterior features fresh front and rear styling treatments, including a new "electric themed" front grille design with an AC power charging port, a radical "lightning" headlight design and new bumpers and turn signal lamps. In the rear, the signature Cube asymmetrical rear quarter area (with wraparound glass on one side) has been enhanced by a new bumper with hidden taillights. The roof sheet metal has been replaced with a full fixed glass panel that enhances the interior's sense of wide-open space. The Denki Cube Concept exterior also features new door mirrors and unique 16-inch wheel covers. The finishing touch is provided by a special white pearl paint and graphics.

Inside, the Denki Cube Concept reflects the designers' intention of creating a relaxing, moving social hub, like a favorite room in an owner's house. Though the production Cube offers three rows of seating, the Denki Cube Concept offers only two rows and the wheelbase has been stretched 9.4 inches in order to better accommodate the lithium-ion battery cells. The newly designed front and second row seats are joined by a revised instrument panel with an IP-mounted shift button, a special steering wheel design and new door panel and cargo area trim.

The biggest transformation from production Cube to Denki Cube Concept is one that isn't visible - the replacement of the standard 1.3-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and laminated lithium-ion batteries located under the floor and seats. The laminated structure and unique material technology offer more power, energy and battery stability, as well as compact size and packaging flexibility, versus conventional cylindrical batteries.

Nissan's compact lithium-ion battery technology, one of the company's traditional strengths, provides batteries with twice as much energy compared with a conventional cylindrical battery of the same type and safer operation due to the use of chemically stable spine-structured manganese for the electrode material. In order to better leverage Nissan's lithium-ion battery capabilities, a new company, Automotive Energy Supply Corp. (AESC), was jointly established with NEC Corp. and NEC Tokin Corp. - with the goal of dramatically enhancing future battery performance and reducing battery costs.

"Nissan first had an electric vehicle in the road in 1947 and has been field-testing lithium-ion batteries for more than ten years," said Castignetti. "Our ongoing goal is to dramatically enhance future battery performance while reducing battery costs."

About Nissan Green Program 2010
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.'s (NML) mid-term environmental action plan, Nissan Green Program 2010 (NGP 2010), is designed to fulfill Nissan's environmental philosophy of "symbiosis of people, vehicles and nature" and contribute to a sustainable mobile society. NGP 2010 is specifically focused on reducing CO2 emissions both from Nissan products as well as from day-to-day corporate activities.

Nissan is focused on three core areas related to the environment: reducing CO2 emissions; reducing exhaust emissions; and accelerating recycling efforts.

Highlights of Nissan Green Program 2010 include:

* Incorporating CO2 reduction as one of the key management performance indicators.
* Launch a "three-liter car" with a target of 2010; a gasoline-fueled car that runs 100 kilometers on three liters of fuel.
* Expand availability of Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV) within the next three years.
* Launch a Nissan electric vehicle early in the next decade.
* Develop an original Nissan hybrid vehicle targeted for launch in FY2010.
* Accelerate development of plug-in hybrid technology.
* By 2010, reduce CO2 emissions from global manufacturing plants by 7% (per unit) compared to 2005.

"The Nissan Green Program 2010 provides a transparent view of Nissan's future commitments to all aspects of environmental management," said Toshiyuki Shiga, Chief Operating Officer, NML. "Nissan Green Program 2010 has been designed to address immediate challenges as well as creating the foundation towards a long-term sustainable business model."

[Source: Nissan]

Only two of the R1e's will be seeing service in New York as vehicles for, appropriately, the New York Power Authority. Like most new arrivals to New York, this strange two-seater will likely pursue a music career but end up prostituting itself to various politicians for a "quick charge." No matter what happens, we're sure the R1e will be at least a "three diamond" ride. [MotorTrend]

This must be some kinda shop class! It isn't Stanford, that's for sure. And why should it be? We're not sure the wrench-turners of our alterna-fuel future are going to be packing degrees from elite institutions of higher learning, anyway. The meek-anic shall inherit the Earth!

Heck, they make fuel from old wine. Resourceful!

[San Francisco Chronicle]

We promise there are no tricks of photography, no tricks, this is a real picture and two grown men are in the Smera. You can look for pixels yourself with this full size image. Guess that explains the funny shape of the lower seat cushion. We thought the press release was in error when it said two passengers. So now we have a two seat, all electric, four wheeled, leaning micro car that will get to 62 MPH in 8 seconds, top out at 80 MPH, and run for 93 miles. This just keeps getting better and better. We actually kind of want to give one a spin now.

The Lightning car company is proud to release one of the UK's first electric sports cars for 2008.

Combining classic, British sports car design with racing car technology and state of the art NanoSafe™ battery power and Hi-Pa Drive™ electric motor innovation, the Lightning has been developed with exhilarating performance front of mind. Whilst its head-turning looks will appeal to the most discerning of drivers, unlike other sports cars, the Lightning is also easy on the conscience. With virtually no polluting emissions, this energy-efficient car uses clean technology and will have the ultimate green rating. Following production of several petrol Lightnings and with the electric prototype build now well underway, the electric Lightning GT is now available to pre-order.

Lightning GT - Standard Features

* Anti lock braking system
* Traction control
* Regenerative braking
* Electronic door entry
* Programmable external engine sound generator
* Central door locking
* Alarm and immobilizer
* Electric windows
* Acoustic information and entertainment system
* Part leather/alcantara sports seats
* Forged alloy wheels
* Tinted windows
* Home based charging system (EVCS) with integral safety features
* Hella focused beam halogen headlamps
* LED taillights, front, rear and side-mounted lights

Colours

* Available in Electric Lightning Blue, black and silver as standard (as shown)

Options & accessories

* Air conditioning
* Tyre pressure and temperature monitoring system
* Satellite navigation system
* Non standard colour / metallic paint
* Full leather trim
* Mobile charging system
* Car cover

[Lightning Car Company via Autoblog]

...is capable of 80 MPH and goes for a range of up to 93 miles. Best of all, it leans into turns just like a motorcycle so we're assuming driving it has got to be a riot. The little car is powered by two 20 BHP electric motors feeding off of lithium ion batteries capable of a rechage by way of standard domestic power outlet. The quoted 0-100 KPH time is 8 seconds, which for a super economy car is fantastic. That even beats the Fiat 500 Abarth from the starting tree. Disc brakes on all four do the stopping and the car is equipped with a safety cage and seat belts in case things get out of hand. The car is a proof of concept at this point and the whole company seems to be owned by the Moulene family, who fill the posts of president to technical manager. Planned production for 2009 is 250 units but we've got no clue on price

While the hybrid reminds us of the epic horror of the AMC Pacer and the electric car looks nothing like the upcoming Tesla roadster, we have to give it to the books writers for their accuracy. Take a look at the super huge version here for all the thrilling details as well as a peek at the semi truck of the future. [via Pointless Museum]

ZAP Cooperates With Youngman on Zap Alias Highway Electric Car Project

Officials from ZAP (OTC BB:ZAAP.OB) and China Youngman Automotive Group announced their Joint Venture Company has initiated the RFQ (Request For Quotation) process for a vehicle project called the ZAP Alias(TM). The Joint Venture invites engineering and technology companies from all over the world interested in participating in the high performance electric vehicle project initiated in 2007.

The Joint Venture Company targets the Alias to retail at a price of $30,000 in a two-passenger vehicle with a top-speed of over 100 miles per hour and a range of at least 150 miles per charge. The goal is to bring an affordable, highway capable electric vehicle to market quickly to capitalize on surging interest for electric car technologies. There are also plans to offer options like fast charging and a hybrid range extender.

ZAP plans to present its progress on the Alias electric vehicle at North America's largest dealer conference, NADA, February 9-12 in San Francisco, California. Members of The National Automobile Dealers Association (http://www.nada.org/) sold 16.5 million cars and trucks in 2006.

An affordable, highway electric car project between ZAP (OTCBB: ZAAP) and China Youngman Automotive Group initiated an RFQ (Request For Quotation) process for a vehicle called Alias(TM).

"Everyone who has seen the Alias says they want to buy one," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider. "The performance goals are attainable because the pace of new technology is accelerating. We have worked with Lotus Engineering during the initial phase of the development project and shall again be looking forward to their support."

"I am very excited to initiate this project," said Mr. Albert Lam, Former CEO of Lotus Engineering, now Chairman of the Joint Venture Company. "Looking at our initial project development plan and our discussion with a number of key engineering and technology partners, I believe we can go into production by the 2nd quarter of 2009. We will be using some of the existing facilities of Youngman to manufacture this vehicle."

The ZAP Alias electric vehicle project was conceived via collaboration between ZAP and Lotus Engineering in 2007. The two companies carried out a feasibility study on next generation electric vehicle technologies and the Alias vehicle was announced along with a crossover SUV project called the ZAP-X, based on Lotus Engineering's Aluminum Performance Crossover (APX) demonstrator.

ZAP will distribute the Alias under a new brand name for the Joint Venture Company in North America. The Alias will be sold through qualified ZAP dealers. ZAP has a dealer network with 50 locations across the United States selling its current vehicles, the Xebra and Zapino.

[ZAP via World Car Fans]

The exemption covers 625 vehicles this year and 3,200 vehicles over the next two years. The Tesla Roadster is still going to have standard airbags, but they will not meet the Advanced Air Bag standards. As a refresher, advanced airbags are ones that protect multiple types of passengers in the event of an accident. [AP via Google]

Tesla says they're going to a be dropping the planned two-speed transmission and replacing it with a much simpler one-speed model that will provide performance numbers in line with what was promised. The two-speed model had to be dropped because of problems with longevity. Of course, this doesn't change the fact that if you're getting a first run Tesla you're going to receive it with a temporary gearbox and have to wait for the permanent solution like everyone else.

The solution, now called DriveTrain 1.5, is going to involve replacing the entire powertrain. The air-cooled electric motor is getting kicked to the curb and its place will be a liquid-cooled unit with more power. Progress! The car works... as long as they can replace everything in time.

Tesla Motors Completes all Regulatory Approvals and Sets Schedule to Begin Production

First production 2008 Tesla Roadster Imported - Series Production Begins in March

WHAT'S NEWS

* Tesla Motors has received all regulatory approvals to import the first production Tesla Roadster ("P1") for sale. This includes all necessary EPA and DOT approvals, including completion of all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS.)

* P1 will arrive at Tesla Motors headquarters next week for delivery to customer Elon Musk, Chairman of Tesla Motors.

* Series production of the Tesla Roadster is scheduled to begin March 17th, 2008.

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND

* As communicated previously, early production units will be equipped with an interim transmission that meets durability requirements but limits acceleration to 5.7 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
* Separately, Tesla Motors engineers have designed a permanent solution for mass production that supports the original specification of 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds.
* The planned solution has some very positive benefits for our customers. Instead of a complex 2-speed transmission design, Tesla will achieve the original performance goals with a simpler one-speed unit mated to a higher rated Power Electronics Module (PEM.) The existing motor will be modified to have advanced cooling capabilities to handle the additional power. The permanent transmission unit will be engineered to handle the higher torque of the powertrain.
* The planned solution reduces program risk, provides better efficiency, lower weight, equal or better range, better thermal performance and quicker quarter mile acceleration due to the elimination of the need to shift gears.
* The planned solution incorporates the latest developments of our powertrain team which has been continually improving on Tesla's core technology.
* Early production will proceed at a limited rate and then ramp up to full production when the permanent powertrain solution is production ready later this year.

The upgrade from the interim solution to the higher power, permanent solution will be provided to our customers free of charge when available later this year.

[Source: Tesla, AutoBlog Green]

"Radio-fuel", to this engineers ears and based on the artists rendering, would be more appropriately called an induction drive system. Induction is the same principle that makes any generator work. Pass a moving coil of wire