Jalopnik
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over the back fence
REPORT: Mercedes Preparing 532 HP Electric SLS Gullwing
According to Autocar, development of the Mercedes SLS Gullwing eDrive is well underway. The magazine claims to have seen internal documents describing four electric motors making a combined 532 HP and 649 Lb-Ft of torque. More »
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By Wes SilerComment by Adam: Why don't they put transmissions into electric cars? Sheesh... if you have 532 hp you should be able to... 7 Responses | Other threads
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jalopnik reviews
Protoscar Lampo, First Drive: $1.4 Million, Solar-Powered Electric Roadster
Handing over a $1.4 million electric car to a blog is interesting, especially when the company operates a "you break it, you buy it" policy. Can the 268 HP Protoscar Lampo live up to its promise of electrifying performance? More » -
electric cars
GreenGT Electric LeMans: Design And Eco-Mobility Madness
The GreenGT LeMans Prototype is the future of racing from the extra-crunchy Swiss-based green racing company, GreenGT. Mix one part Chevy Volt, one part Speed Racer Mach 1 and a dash of kickassery. Do want. More » -
jalopnik reviews
GM-Segway PUMA: First Ride
We just took a spin inside the GM-Segway PUMA on 18th Street in Manhattan. It's not what we expected, in fact, we think we kind of like it. More » -
chevy volt
ABC Detroit Affiliate Catches Obama's Task Force Driving Volt Mule
Channel 7 WXYZ, Detroit's ABC affiliate, managed to capture President Obama's auto task force driving the plug-in Chevy Volt mule during their visit to GM's suburban Detroit Technical Center today. More »
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Comment by FromaBuick6: Actually, I agree with McCain. And despite voting for him, it's very rare that I say that. 6 Responses | Other threads
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chevy volt
Obama's Auto Task Force To Drive Chevy Volt Mule Tomorrow
President Obama's auto task force will drive a Chevy Volt test mule during a visit to GM's Technical Center in Detroit tomorrow to help decide if the company deserves more federal loans. [GM-Volt via AP]
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Comment by FromaBuick6: A couple things: a) Why don't they just use the Cruze body instead of the shitty-looking Volt. The technology obviously fits... 15 Responses | Other threads
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jalopnik reviews
2009 Zero X, First Ride: Fastest Production Electric Dirt Bike Ever
The 2009 Zero X is so green that you can eat its battery. Luckily its performance is more appetizing; it's the fastest electric dirt bike ever. More » -
electric cars
Man Builds His Own Electric Honda S2000 In Garage
Would you ditch the Honda S2000's F20C for an electric motor and batteries? That's exactly what Brian did and, for our edification and amusement, he documented the entire build process along the way. More »
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Comment by Pinto: In what vehicle would you put the F20C hardware? 20 Responses | Other threads
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electric cars
Making Electric Cars Is Really Hard
Apparently the New York Times "Automobiles" section got infected with engineer recently as they've hit on a breathtaking piece of knowledge we already knew — making useful electric cars is really, really hard. More » -
Dodge Circuit EV
Dodge Circuit EV First Live Photos
The Dodge Circuit EV may not get a full reveal until later, but our quick-shuttered photographers already nabbed photos of the new EV. You can find it unwrapped below. More » -
Dodge Circuit EV
Dodge Circuit EV: Not Quite Too Good To Be True
You know those student design concepts that are all naïve ideas and very little reality? It looks like Chrysler’s ENVI program has gone back to school for their electric Dodge Circuit EV concept. More » -
geneva motor show
Protoscar Lampo Electric Teased Ahead Of Geneva
There’s another frigid auto show coming up and just like Detroit, Geneva looks set to be filled with plenty of imaginary electric cars. The Protoscar Lampo is the latest. More »
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By Wes SilerComment by Illegal_Machine: Sooo....if we have rolling blackouts in some parts of the country without electric cars....what will happen when everyone is adding... 10 Responses | Other threads
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geneva motor show
Lotus Developing Volt-Like Extended Range Electric Vehicle
Famed sports car manufacturer Lotus is sick of seeing everyone else use their platform for electric applications. They're now reportedly looking to get into the green game with a high-performance electric vehicle all their own. -
Miles Electric Highway Speed
Miles Highway Speed: The Silent Yet Violent Electric Vehicle
Thousands of inches of print and webspace have been dedicated to electric cars like the Tesla Roadster and countless more opining on hybrids and near-electrics like the Chevy Volt, but what about the Miles Electric Highway Speed? If you've never heard about it before, don't worry, we hadn't either.
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Ruf Electric Porsche
RUF Electric Porsche 911 Concept Finally Revealed
Not too long ago we reported that German tuning house RUF was preparing to unveil an all-electric Porsche Cayman. Today, RUF has shown their Tesla-fighter is in fact a Porsche 911. The concept is fueled by 96 lithium-ion battery packs weighing a total of nearly 1,200 pounds; despite the weight, the 204 HP electric motor uses its 480 lb-ft of torque to hit 60 MPH in under 7 seconds. Looking at the battery layout in the images below, it appears RUF balanced the weight as best they could, but that's a lot of ballast to haul; we're wondering how handling will be affected. More stats after the jump. More »
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By Andrew StoyComment by arowsell: It looks cleaner than the normal 911. No pun intended. This one looks to have smoother bumpers front... 4 Responses | Other threads
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paris auto show
Joule MPV Brings South African Engineering To Paris Show Floor
We brought you word of the Joule all-electric MPV yesterday, a South African entrant in the new electric car wars, and now we have live shots of the Joule on the Paris show floor. The little Afrikaaner is produced by a new tech company called Optimal Energy and was designed by a former Jag stylist — though we're going to have to take their word for it. According to Optimal, the Joule is all-electric with motor-driven front wheels and in-wheel magnetic propulsion at the rear, delivering a range of 125 miles on a single battery pack or 250 miles with two — impressive. We also like how Joule is a play on South Africa's notorious blood-diamond trade as well as a reference to energy — if you can't make fun of yourself, who can you make fun of? Presser after the jump. More » -
paris auto show
First Live Shots Of The Chevy Volt Plugged In
Ever wonder what the plug-in unit for the Chevy Volt looks like? Well now you know. Here at the Paris Motor Show the display car is tethered to the very slanted display stand by way of extension cord and locking plug-in mechanism. The power port is, as expected, hidden behind the "Volt" name plate ahead of the mirrors, though we expected it would flip up, apparently the plate slides forward. Pretty trick-looking if you ask us. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by nollid51: Who knew we could get so excited over an extension cord. 4 Responses | Other threads
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paris motor show
Nissan NuVu Concept, Live And In The Bubbly, Micra-Like Metallic Skin
We just caught the Nissan NuVu, a concept that, as we said earlier, is meant to reveal the next generation styling of the next Nissan Micra. Frankly, the concept's as cute as its name (a play on words meaning "New View" as in "a new view on the Micra"). The interior is just as bubbly as the exterior, with the "2+1 seating arrangement" apparently designed with midget strippers in mind — it comes complete with a mini-stripper pole and a "double-dong" steerng wheel. We're sure hoping the Micra ends up with both in the final production version. OK, maybe not. Also, we're told this little bubble-topped concept's got an electric drivetrain. Does this mean the next Micra will see the Nissan electric engine slide under the bonnet? Only time will tell. Check out the full press release (again) in all its enormity, below the jump. More » -
electric cars
RUF Building All-Electric Porsche Cayman
According to ze Germans at Auto Motor und Sport, long-time Porsche tuner RUF is planning an all-electric version of the Cayman. Perhaps seeking to do battle with the Tesla Roadster, RUF's car will be allegedly have 204 HP and 480 lb-ft or torque on tap from its electric motor. The juice will be stored in lithium-ion battery packs that can be replenished at any home outlet, providing up to a 186-mile range. Expect the electric Cayman to look much like RUF's 3400K, but with "ELECTRIC" written all over it, so that people know you're saving the whales or whatever. Of course the burning question is, how fast will it be? More »
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By Mark ArnoldComment by Pete Gaines: Zappin' it to ya The pressure's everywhere Goin' right through ya The fever's in the air Oh yeah, it's there! Don't underestimate the power Of a... 3 Responses | Other threads
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electric motorcycle
Quantya Strada, First Drive: The Street-Legal Electric Performance Vehicle You Can Buy Now
It wasn’t until I crashed into a pile of boxes and luggage that I realized riding a motorcycle — even a completely silent electric one with no emissions — around my Brooklyn apartment was a bad idea. I’d been attempting to do a burnout, but the painted concrete floor didn’t have enough grip for the Quantya Strada’s front tire and plenty for the rear, resulting in a wheelie. Compounding matters was the bar-mounted back brake that sits where the clutch lever normally does. When I went slip the clutch to bring the bike back in line, the brake just tossed me into the boxes. The nice thing about riding a bike in your apartment is that, while you might do irreparable damage to all of your and your friend’s worldly belongings, you probably won’t hurt yourself too badly. More » -
alternative energy
BMW City Car Confirmed, 0-Series Or Return Of The Isetta?
In an interview with a German newspaper, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has confirmed that a small city car is being developed to cope with future European and American regulations for fuel economy and pollution. But we're talking about more than just an electric Mini here. This will be an entirely new vehicle which will come with either a "very efficient combustion engine" or a pure electric powertrain. Of the standards it will meet will be a California regulation which mandates fuel cell or battery-powered vehicles to have a range of over 200 miles by the year 2012. But the burning question is, what will the car be called? More »
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By Mark ArnoldComment by Novaload Misses Murilee: Ye gods, I'm still startled every time I see an Isetta. I wonder if anyone ever survived a crash in... 2 Responses | Other threads
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tesla roadster
Tesla Finalizes Single-Speed Transmission, Ups Output, Range
The thorn in Tesla's side, the troubled single-speed transmission for its all-electric Tesla Roadster, has finally been approved for production, and with it comes an announcement of more power and better range. After durability problems with the original single-speed transmission, Telsa was forced to used a two-speed cog swapper for production. But now, after re-sourcing the business to transmission mega-star Borg Warner, the redesigned single-speed is ready to go and offers big benefits. Because of the additional capability in the transmission, the peak torque has been raised from 211 lb-ft to 280 lb-ft; a heady number considering peak torque arrives at zero rpm with an electric motor. Despite the higher output, the EPA estimates show a 10% increase in range. That's a pretty neat trick. Complete details below. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by Adamk24: God I want one of these so bad. Why can't anyone give us a cheap electric car. ;_; 2 Responses | Other threads
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alternative energy
How To Hack A ZAP Xebra Electric Car In Just 7 Minutes, 51 Seconds
As further evidence that all ZAP Xebra electric vehicle owners are complete dorks, we have this video of a ZAP owner showing us how to get the most out of the little 3-wheeler. Along with some cosmetic changes, this guy replaced the copper wiring with a thicker gauge cable and increased the voltage by adding another battery. Now his ZAP-amino can actually go up hills! And if the wind is just right, it can hit a top speed of 45 MPH, about 7 MPH faster than a stock model. (We apologize for the video's soundtrack.) [via Autoblog Green] -
electric cars
Electric Car Home-Brewers Volting Their Rides
Not content to wait for the major automakers to show up with their expensive Chevy Volts or Electric Cubes, regular folks are home-brewing their own electric vehicles. While the results you get with golf-cart batteries aren't quite the same as what you get with, say, Li-Ion batteries (usually just 20 to 40 miles on an overnight charge), we doubt there's any other way to get yourself an electric-powered Honda Del Sol. One Atlanta man spent $12,000 converting his Chevy S-10 pickup — not exactly a gas-guzzler to begin with — to cruise on all-electric for 40 miles with a top speed of 60 MPH. More »
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Comment by Ralph Wiley, in sock form: @jswilson64: Diesel locomotives already use electric drivetrains, because it's more efficient. The engine is an onboard generator. If catenary wires... more » | Other threads
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alternative energy
Study: Only One-Third Of US Car Buyer Households Have Infrastructure, Desire For Plug-In Cars
A new study by the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC-Davis reveals only one-third of US car buying households have both the necessary charging infrastructure and the desire to purchase a plug-in electric hybrid. The comprehensive study, designed to determine more about the early plug-in market, found that most consumers know very little about plug-in hybrids or think that existing hybrids on the market are already plug-in capable. But, it's not all bad news for lovers of the slide toward electrics. More »
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By Andrew StoyComment by MountainDrew: @FЯeeMan: Not all of Canada is a frozen wasteland you know. Sure, all the parking lots in Winterpeg have... more » | Other threads
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alternative energy
Popular Mechanics Drives The Nissan EV-02 Electric Cube
We've told you about Nissan's new electric concepts. Now the trendy technicians over at Popular Mechanics have actually flown to Japan to drive the electrified Nissan Cube, the EV-02, and lived to tell the story. The lithium-ion battery-powered box on wheels is said to be just the start of Nissan's big li'l electric vehicle efforts, but how does current concept impress? [Popular Mechanics] More »
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By Mark ArnoldComment by Carbonic: creepy how big the drivers look inside it! more » | Other threads
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alternative energy
Autolib Electric Car-Sharing Coming To Paris Next Year
Paris's Mayor, Bertrand Delanoe, has announced the installation of a massive electric car-sharing scheme in his city. Autolib takes its cue from the city's successful Velib bicycle-sharing system and will make up to 4,000 electric cars available at stations located throughout Paris, allowing users to rent one on the spot and return it elsewhere, charging them a per-mile rate. More »
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By Wes SilerComment by Hello_Newman: This seems like a really good idea. There will be your credit card to find out if you returned the... more » | Other threads
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project car hell
Project Car Hell, Arc-Weld Your Soul Edition: Electric 911 or Electric Spitfire?
Welcome to Project Car Hell, where you choose your eternity by selecting the project that's the coolest... and the most hellish! Yesterday, we saw the triple-'49-Mercury deal obliterate the six-four by what may be the biggest-ever margin in Choose Your Eternity Poll history: 80-20 for the Mercuries in the Low And Slow Edition poll. Today we've become so excited over the possibility that the$30,000$40,000 Chevy Volt will be on the street in the not-so-distant future that we're going electric, and we're not talking about golf carts or even AMCs here- no, we mean electric vintage European sports cars! More »
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Comment by HUMONGUS: I never thought it possible, two incredibly hellish cars--what a dilemma!! Had to go with the Porsche, no matter that... more » | Other threads
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ssc ultimate aero ev
Shelby SuperCars Makes Ultimate Aero EV Official, Plans 1000 HP Version
News of Shelby SuperCars' intention to build an electric version of its record breaking SSC Ultimate Aero TT leaked out yesterday prompting the company to make the news official. The company expects the SSC Ultimate Aero EV to be ready by late next year, saying that it will initially feature a 500 HP electric motor and revolutionary batteries capable of holding their charge for "years." Additionally, the vehicle will use a 6-speed transmission and once the first model is out, they'll be exploring ways to fit two of the motors into the engine bay, resulting in a 1000 HP model. It's tempting to call shenanigans on this, but when you've made the world's fastest car, beating huge German companies in the process, you suddenly gain a lot of credibility. SSC are keeping additional details hush hush, but click through to read their full performance claims. More » -
ssc ultimate aero ev
Shelby SuperCars Wants Ultimate Aero EV To Be World's Fastest Electric Supercar
After making the fastest production car in the world, the SSC Ultimate Aero TT, Shelby SuperCars is now planning to make the world's fastest electric car. The Ultimate Aero EV will be based on the company's current Aero, but with the 1183 HP V8 replaced by an electric powertrain. The electric driveline would consist of either a 500 HP electric motor, or a 1000 HP setup using a pair of motors, possibly driving all four wheels. So where are they gonna get the juice for that sort of power? More »
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By Mark ArnoldComment by sos10: I don't know why and could be completely wrong, but this Shelby company smells like anything but petrol to me. more » | Other threads
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transformers revenge of the fallen
Chevy Volt To Become Transformer
Following word this morning the production version of the Chevy Volt will be shown in September, we hear the rocking-down-electric-avenue Lutz-mobile will also be featured in Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen. More »
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Comment by Maymar is breaking in the commenting system like a new pair of socks: @boosted-lego-wagon: The Mr. Fusion then? more » | Other threads
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alternative energy
Tesla Makes The Wealthy Feel More Responsible
We knew the Tesla was a popular car among the famous, like Matt Damon, but it seems the 225-mile range $109,000 ride is becoming the feel-good car among the rich too. Greenwich, Conn., a city known for old money, is apparently the new hotspot for Tesla wannabes. Tesla recently brought a vehicle to a Greenwich hotel to allow potential owners the opportunity to take a quick test drive, yielding predictable results. More »
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Comment by piththeelder: Actually, it is very green to purchase a vehicle that will never exist. more » | Other threads
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2011 chevy volt
GM Tosses Out Yet Another Random Price For Chevy Volt
GM's design guru "Maximum" Bob Lutz lobbed out $40,000 as yet another price for the 2011 Chevy Volt. Lutz's comments, made when speaking to the Seattle Times were that the Volt would retail for about $40,000 and generate no profit for GM. Wow. Last we heard, the Volt would be selling for $30,000. Or course, since the car is still pretty far off, you've gotta expect some slight fluctuation in price. But who knew Bob would be keeping us abreast of every internal change — like some sort of weather vane of Volt pricing? More »
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By Mark ArnoldComment by petersterncan: @Feds: You worked on the EV1 diesel-electric prototype? ;-) more » | Other threads
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alternative fuels
GE Gets Into Hybrid Game With Giant Mining Truck
Even though this news is almost two months old, it's interesting to see GE bringing good things to life, namely giant mining trucks which improve upon the previously standard diesel-electric powertrain — especially in light of Friday's news of Chrysler tying up with Thomas Edison's conglomerate. These Goliaths of the open pits have been using monster generators to power equally massive in-wheel electric motors for years, but GE is now testing a system which puts a battery between the generator and the motors, creating a true hybrid rather than just a monstrously torquey one. More »
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By Ben WojdylaComment by Hello_Newman: I guess the statute of limitations is long over so I can say it. My friend and I worked security... more » | Other threads
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industry news
Peugeot-Citroen Partnering With Mitsubishi For Electric Cars
Peugeot-Citroen is teaming up with Mitsubishi to work on production electric cars in response to the current world freak-out over gas prices. Mitsubishi already has the i MiEV pictured above, but that vehicle isn't even available here. So, it remains to be seen what exactly the Franco-Japanese alliance is attempting to engineer. More »
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By Mark ArnoldComment by Novaload Misses Murilee: These look like giant iPhones you can ride in! Has anyone alerted MacApple to this? more » | Other threads
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industry news
Toyota Tries To Lower Expectations On Plug-In Hybrids, Mark Fields Asks For Handout To Build Them
Toyota appears to be starting the expectations-management game for its upcoming plug-in hybrid vehicles after being stung in the past by complaints from Prius owners of lower-than-advertised mileage. Bill Reinert, national manager of Toyota U.S.A's advanced technology group, yesterday told a Brookings Institution/Google conference panel, "when we see the (claims of) 100 mile-per-gallon stuff, not everybody's going to get 100 miles per gallon." Mark "The Mullet" Fields, Ford Motor Co. president for the Americas, made what we think was the most important point to be made at the conference — that plug-ins need to be a "national priority." However, that message was lost when he next asked for a government handout, saying "significant government funding is needed for development of domestic production of advanced batteries and for retooling of plants." Sorry Mark, John McCain doesn't have any money to hand out yet — even if your battery can go 100 miles per charge. More »
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By Andrew StoyComment by petersterncan: @skierpage: Hence my point that research money needs to go to battery developers/manufacturers (Like Valence for example) and not any auto company. The... more » | Other threads
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celebrities
Matt Damon To Save World Again, This Time With Tesla Roadster
Everyone's favorite Film Actors Guild member, Matt Damon, was spotted yesterday driving a baby blue Tesla Roadster. Just like the common people, Damon's been unable to purchase a Tesla yet, the company is still sorting out nagging quality issues and ramping up for full production. Tellingly, Damon's tester was only capable of operating in high gear, leaving the actor a bit nonplussed with its off-the-line performance, but says, "the 30-60 acceleration is like nothing else." More »
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By Wes SilerComment by SeanKHotay: @LandofMinos, Guns, Drugs, Plague, Violence, Hypocrisy, Fox ...: It's 'cause we're a big country. Oh, wait... Funny thing about 'Merican accents is... more » | Other threads
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alternative energy
Hybrid Technologies Building 220mpg Supercar That's Faster Than ZR1
Hybrid Technologies, makers of electric Minis and the Mullen Motor GT, are working on a lithium-ion/gas plug-in hybrid not only capable of achieving 220mpg, but horsepower numbers that promise to eclipse those of the 638bhp Corvette ZR1. Speaking to Popular Mechanics, product development engineer Ron Cerven revealed that not only will the car be entered in the Automotive X Prize, but that it could be available to purchase as soon as late next year. More » -
alternative energy
Electric Range Rover With Volt-Like Range Extender On The Way, Blind Children Weep
"The Liberty Electric Range Rover will drive cleanly and quietly around roads and cities, free of tax, congestion and parking charges, making less environmental impact than even the smallest, most fuel-efficient car, yet still offering the comfort and security of a luxury 4x4," claims Barry Shrier, the Liberty's founder. In addition to the batteries and electric motor — which purportedly give a 200-mile range and performance in line with the gasoline version — Shrier is planning to install a small generator as a range extender a lá the no-green-for-you-till-2011 Chevy Volt. More »
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By Wes SilerComment by LandofMinos, I took the O out of Cuntry: Sorry not Clint George, It was Chad Taylor's Landie. I always get those two guys mixed up. More embarrassingly I... more » | Other threads
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industry news
Nissan Partners With NEC For Battery Factory, Claims Of EV by 2010 Maybe Not BS?
Nissan has announced a strategic partnership with tech giant NEC for a lithium ion battery factory in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The facility will operate under a new company dubbed Automotive Energy Supply and will be capable of putting out 16,000 batteries by next year, and 65,000 at full rate by 2011. With this $115 million announcement, Nissan's claims of putting EVs on the road by 2010 don't seem so far fetched. If Carlos the vanquisher says it will be, it will be. [Wired]
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By Ben WojdylaComment by morrisseyscoot: more likely than the chevy volt! more » | Other threads
electric
Detroit, 7:45 AM
Sun Jul 12
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