West Richland, WA (July 18, 2008) Shrouded in mystery and secrecy, SSC (www.shelbysupercars.com) has announced plans to unveil the next historical milestone, codenamed - the Ultimate Aero EV (Electric Vehicle), the first 100% Green Supercar to achieve speeds never before seen. Engineering details are yet undisclosed while development continues at an uninterrupted pace. Despite months of speculation, SSC expects to roll out its first prototype in February 2009. "I think we can do it faster, leaner and cleaner than any other manufacturer," says Jerod Shelby, SSC Founder. Unlike other manufacturers' models slated for delivery in the next decade, Shelby's latest brainchild expects to be delivered as early as fourth quarter 2009. Other automakers have sacrificed aesthetics and performance in exchange for hybrid power plants, but the Ultimate Aero EV will deliver a pollution-free, engineering marvel with an exotic Supercar exterior. The drive train under development will feature a revolutionary power source allowing for extended time between charging intervals with the possibility of several years between charging. Powered by a 500 horsepower electric motor, the Ultimate Aero EV will have true supercar performance. All 500 horses will be put to use via SSC's 6-speed manual transmission and triple disc carbon/carbon Tilton clutch. Additionally, SSC is exploring the potential of a twin 500 horsepower electric power plant producing 1,000 horsepower in a 2 or 4 wheel drive configuration. Having already broken the record for the "Fastest Production Car" SSC will soon break the engineering challenge of our time. Says Jay Leno of SSC's first accomplishment, "The coolest thing about this car is they said they were going to do something and then they did it." While other manufacturers scramble to capture the Green hysteria of late, SSC will leap over the barrier with a fraction of the Big Three's budget. To that end, the company recently contracted with Investor Relations Group, Sheffield International Finance Corporation initiating the Company's first acceptance of outside capital since its inception. In a press release dated July 11, 2008, the American automaker announced that much of the private capital will be dedicated to achieve the historical milestone. The invitation-based offering includes an A-list of invitees including celebrities and notable financiers from around the world. Consistent with its company philosophy of being the benchmark, SSC plans next to break the record for the fastest electric car in the world. Stay tuned...

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]

Although there's no official word if the Volt will actually be a Transformer, but given its guts and looks, it's just begging to become some kind of electric-themed Autobot. The Volt would join the Trax and the Beat as not-yet-available Chevy vehicles featured in the movie.

Jalopnik Snap Judgement: This may be the reason why they're hurrying up the production look of the car. They've got to beat set filming times, right? [Reuters via TFW2005]

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]

What makes this vehicle ideal for the wealthy? It's comparatively expensive, has decent power, and it's a lot less common than the average Ferrari. More importantly, it helps the rich feel better about themselves. Says one moneyed onlooker:

"We're in a wealthy area," Patrick added, "so, while gas prices aren't as much of an issue, you can still feel like you're fulfilling your green responsibility and reducing your carbon footprint with a car like this."

We reported last year DeLorean Motor Company plans to make a series of "new build" modernized DeLoreans with all the amenities you'd expect in today's luxury cars. What we didn't know until our tour this past week, was all of the accessories for the new DeLorean (really, the "new build" DeLoreans will use 80% originally manufactured parts and 20% upgraded parts) are already available to current owners of the classic DeLorean DMC-12. What else would you expect from the ultimate "Geek" car?

At least that's how Stephen Wynne, sitting atop a mountain of parts large enough to rebuild hundreds of the steel-bodied, gullwinged Delorean DMC-12 sports cars, describes those who own and continually modernize the unique automobiles. But he means "geeks" in a good way. His company exists thanks primarily to the abundance of originally manufactured parts left after production stopped in late 1982. These parts are still being purchased today by owners of the approximately 6,000 to 7,000 cars still estimated to be driving around. Though most collectors of classics pride themselves on their ability to recreate their cars as originally and authentically as possible, the relative ease of doing so with a DeLorean has meant owners are creating modern cars within the old stainless steel shells.

Sure, you can point to the extreme end of the customization scale — cars like the Electric DeLorean, which is more than just a golf-cart motor and a few batteries. This is a fully-functioning electric car with a range of around 30 to 35 miles that's actually faster in the quarter mile than the stock, V6-powered DMC-12. Another extreme example is the DeLorean Hovercraft attempted by the crew at Monster Garage.

But it's at the mundane end where the real story is taking place. The stock original DeLorean came with an AM/FM radio and tapedeck, but DeLorean now offers an Alpine IVA system with a 7" display, Eclipse speakers, JL Audio subwoofer and Genesis P-5 Amplifier. Assuming you don't go back too far in the future (to before the advent of satellites), a navigation system with live traffic and satellite radio is available. Can't see past the flux capacitor? Try adding the backup camera. Gotta call back to Doc Brown's lab? The Bluetooth cellular interface is probably a smart option.

The iPod interface is also a good choice no matter what audio/video system you add; that way you can listen to Stainless Style, the concept album about the life of John DeLorean that's also a lot of fun to listen to.

To help push all of that new technology, DMC is also offering an upgrade to the engine that includes new stainless steel headers, muffler and tips, ignition system upgrades, a K&N filter, a cold air intake and other parts. The combination results in nearly 200 HP, making it perform at a level that'll allow daily drivers to survive on the highway. A refined sports suspension, featuring new shocks and springs, also helps keep the cars comfortable and sporty.

And if you're a super DeLorean geek, the headquarters outside of Houston, Texas is a must-see. In addition to the large collection of cars (it's strange seeing that many of them in one place) and nearly 1,000 of the gullwing doors, there's an original Back To The Future pinball machine in the lobby.

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]

Not clear is whether there are any more places to put gills, as there seems to be a ventilation war raging between MG and TVR. Also interesting are plans for a "green" SV-R, an all electric version capable of 0-60 MPH in a mere 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 150 MPH. Maybe Tesla is onto something. AutoExpress

Grove believes the auto industry has reached what he calls a "strategic inflection point," the point at which a business has to either change or die. And he wants change in the direction of electrics; Grove has set up a course teaching about hybrids, plug-ins, and electrics in an attempt to move the discussion toward alternative energy sources. And then there's the fun part.

Mr. Grove is also a proponent of retrofitting current vehicles with the lowest fuel economy — trucks, vans and SUVs — with hybrid powerplants. Envisioning half a million Yukon owners reaching for their toolboxes, GM spokesman Greg Martin said, "We strongly discourage consumers from retrofitting vehicles." Unless they're out of warranty, in which case knock yourself out; the service department is hurting right now too.

All we hope is if Grove next ends up pushing for an Intel chip inside, he goes with an Apple OS to run it. Those Microsoft systems don't seem to be running well enough for even the back seat.[Detroit News; Photo Credit images.vnu.net]

Governor Schwarzenegger Celebrates Clean Technology Investment in California, Welcomes Tesla Motors Production to California

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today joined with State Treasurer Bill Lockyer and Tesla Motors representatives to announce Tesla's decision to locate its new manufacturing facility for its Model S, Tesla's second-generation vehicle, in California. As part of the state's ongoing commitment to clean technology, the Governor also announced a new program that waives the sales tax on investment in new manufacturing equipment for Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs). This program was developed in conjunction with the State Treasurer and the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA).

"Today's announcement is great news for California, our economy and our environment. We want these cutting-edge companies not to just start in California and do their research and development here-we want them to build in California," Governor Schwarzenegger said.

"Tesla's announcement today is just one of many we will celebrate as we implement AB 32 and reach our greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. I have always said that we must protect our economy and our environment at the same time, and today it is clear that we are once again demonstrating to the world how to do that."

California's green-friendly atmosphere is encouraging clean businesses from around the world to invest in California, stimulating our economy and contributing to the fight against global warming. According to the California Green Innovation Index by Next10, a non-partisan research organization, in 2006 venture capital investment in energy technology companies in California was just shy of $1 billion, more than double the total from 2005.

Last Thursday, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) released its AB 32 Draft Scoping Plan, the market-based roadmap which will guide California toward its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. This roadmap will motivate companies like Tesla to come to California and bring their innovation, reduced emissions and thousands of jobs with them.

Last Wednesday, CAEATFA approved a new program that exempts new ZEV manufacturers from paying sales and use tax on the purchase of manufacturing equipment to encourage ZEV manufacturing in California. For Tesla, these incentives will mean millions of dollars in savings when the company invests in building their new plant in California. And if they choose a city that is in an Enterprise Zone, they will save millions more. Tesla will also be eligible for at least $1 million in Employment Training Panel Workforce Development Funds to train employees.

Tesla's Model S will be a fully electric, five passenger, multi-use sport sedan with a driving range of approximately 225 miles on one charge. The projected cost of the Model S is $60,000.

"These vehicles can play a big part in helping California successfully implement its groundbreaking laws to fight climate change," said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who chairs CAEATFA. "By offering this financial incentive, our goal is to ensure zero-emission vehicles realize their full potential in our state. In the bargain, we believe the policy will bolster our emerging green economy, create good-paying jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I'm very pleased the policy helped convince Tesla to build its high-performance electric cars in California."

In addition, California's new Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicles Technology Program, AB 118 by Speaker Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles), which the Governor signed into law last year, established a new program that will generate more than $100 million annually for development of new technologies, vehicles and fuels. Funding is expected to be available in March 2009.

California's ZEV program is the world's only enforceable requirement for the development and production of zero-emission vehicles. The following state and federal programs support ZEVs:

* Alternative Fuel Vehicle Incentive Program: Offers up to $5,000 for the purchase or lease of alternative fuel vehicles. Battery electric vehicles, such as a Tesla, typically receive the full $5,000 grant.
* High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Access: Vehicles are eligible to receive the white HOV lane access sticker allowing them to be driven in the HOV lane with only one occupant. This white sticker is different from the yellow stickers issued to hybrid vehicles in that their availability is not capped at a specified number of vehicles.
* California's Environmental Performance Label: Requires all new cars starting in 2009 to display a sticker to inform consumers about the smog forming and greenhouse gas emissions of each vehicle. Vehicles are scored on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best. ZEVs will receive a score of 10 for both smog forming and greenhouse gas emissions.
* Federal Tax Incentives for Recharging Stations: A federal tax deduction of up to $100,000 per location is available for qualified electric vehicle recharging property used in a trade or business.
* Local Community Programs: Offers public charging, free parking and supportive building codes for installation of home charging units.
* Low Carbon Fuel Standard: Requires fuel providers to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels sold in California. This first-of-its-kind standard firmly establishes sustainable demand for lower-carbon fuels without favoring one fuel over another. To start, the standard will reduce the carbon intensity of California's passenger vehicle fuels by at least 10 percent by 2020 and more thereafter.

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]

Maybe GM meant that the Volt will be close to $30k, you know, after government hand-outs tax credits that could be good for about $7,000. Maybe that explains why he told our friend Rob Einaudi over at CarDomain on Tuesday pricing would actually be under $40,000? Maybe that's what the Seattle Times just didn't hear the word "under." [CarDomain, Seattle Times via ABG]

We're going to make the assumption that you'll be obtaining your electrons courtesy of sources other than petroleum products here, because otherwise the mean ol' oil companies will still have you by the short hairs. Nukes, solar cells, dams, whatever- they'll all work when it comes to topping off the cells in your Electric 1980 AMC Hornet wagon, which is still available for less than four grand at the time of this writing. Guess how many miles it has on the clock. No, really- take a guess. Fifty-one original miles! Yes, here we have what the seller says was "a joint venture between Solorgen and AMC to produce electric automobiles," so it's a low-mileage prototype Malaise Electric AMC. It probably hasn't run since Jimmy Carter was president- that is, if it has ever run- there are no batteries, and you can be assured that the brakes and wiring will need endless some attention before it can be driven. On the plus side, the interior is in great original shape, apart from some sun damage. We're a little puzzled by what appears to be an alternator attached to the electric motor in the photos- isn't there a more efficient way to get 12 volts for accessories when you have a car full of freakin' batteries?

A super-original Electric Hornet would be pretty cool, but what if you want to make an insane electric drag racer and show Plasma Boy a thing or two, maybe humiliate some Tesla owners? You'll need a car with a plethora of hot-rod suspension and rear-end parts available, and you'd be hard-pressed to find anything that can match the Ford Fox platform on that score. Naturally, you'll want a wagon, so check out this super-cheap 1981 Electric Ford Fairmont wagon, which was converted to electric power by none other than NASA! Well, actually its history is a bit murky, with the seller's statement "need batteries and my Dad never received the title had it shipped from California was going to order the title and get batteries but then hospital killed my Dad we need the money with Bush the oilman, 2X cheater and Chaney the crook in office" not doing much to clarify things; there is no title, there are no batteries, and nobody knows the specs on the motor. That won't matter much for you prospective electric wagon racers, because you'll need to upgrade to a powerplant waaaay bigger than what's installed now.

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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]

... and, if the power of the Escort proves too formidable, maybe I
could find one of these for next year's LeMons.

This was in Silverlake, between the worksite for the racecar and my house. At first glance it seems like a cartoon car made flesh (or fiberglass). Upon closer inspection, it seems to be like an American Reliant Robin, but smaller, flimsier, and electricer. Made in Long Beach, CA! I'm guessing somewhere from the late 60s-early 70s. Lots of off-the shelf parts (trailer/jeep taillights, golf cart bits, maybe even shopping cart hardware.)

Anyway, seems like fun to me.

That said, we commend the Washington Conference on Plug-Ins for bringing together the top automotive, utility and technology companies to discuss the challenges facing plug-in hybrid vehicles. There's a real need for some kind of governmental help on making them a reality. However, we'd disagree with Fields in his assessment of what form that help should take. What we really need is not the development of domestic production, but the development of domestic R&D. The auto industry needs monies centralized in a Manhattan Project-like plan to develop real battery technology for the entire industry. But the chances of that happening can be summed up in the words of Jalopnik Understatement award-winner Tom Kuhn, president of the Edison Electric Institute, who said "people in this country are mad." [Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

In addition to the hybrid, an all-electric model is also being developed. A drivable prototype should be ready by September.

In addition to performance and economy, Hybrid Technologies is working hard to ensure the new supercar will be comfortable and driver-friendly. Movable aerodynamic aids will be capable of transitioning from low-drag to high-down force, improving both handling and economy. The company wouldn't release specific power numbers, but when asked if they could challenge a vehicle like the Corvette, Cerven responded, "way out of the ballpark—it's gonna be wild."

By now, you're probably thinking that this all sounds too good to be true. Trust us, we are too. With vehicles like the Fisker Karma and Tesla roadster topping out at 120 and 130mph respectively, Hybrid Technologies would need to bring a significant level of innovation to this vehicle in order to compete with gasoline-powered supercars. Expect to find out whether or not all this is hot air during the X Prize competition "some time in 2009." [via Popular Mechanics]

The real shock comes not from the performance or range, but the price. While the electricity used to power the electric Range Rover might cost pennies-per-mile, the cost of entry is going to be somewhere near a whopping $190,000 to $250,000. Shrier's not worried though, he's targeting London's early adopting elite as his initial customer base. He then claims sales of the first few years' products will then fund the development of more affordable models.

Liberty, who have $60 million in capital to play with, are aiming to eventually create tens of thousands of electric vehicles per year and hundreds of jobs. By using existing platforms, they'll cut out non-power train development costs and safety regulations, while using high-end products like the Rangie guarantees a quality product. Expect to see small children and deaf blind people fleeing in terror through London's posher neighborhoods by 2010. [via Autocar]

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.

The car Renault unveiled Sunday in Tel Aviv with Silicon Valley start-up Project Better Place was just a prototype with a cobbled-together battery, but the French automaker reportedly is prepared to spend as much as $1 billion developing EVs. Company CEO Carlos Ghosn hasn't confirmed that figure but says Nissan, which Renault owns, will offer an electric vehicle in California by 2010.

"This will not be a Star Wars prototype," he says. "It will be a car for sale."

Ghosn told the Telegraph he wants to build "a sexy electric car that will be fin to drive and without the environmental hit."

The Nissan joins BMW, Audi, Mitsubishi and Subaru in developing EVs for America in part to meet California rules that automakers put 7,500 zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2014. But the automaker doesn't plan to make electrics a mere sideline - Ghosn says Renault and Nissan are committed to "becoming a global leader" in the production of affordable electric cars.

They're off to a strong start. Renault and Nissan signed a deal with Project Better Place in January to bring EVs to Israel. Renault will build the cars and Project Better Place will install 500,000 charging stations and 150 battery exchange depots throughout Israel.

The cars will use lithium-ion batteries developed by Nissan through its joint venture with NEC, although some may be fitted with batteries from A123 Systems. The batteries weigh about 400 pounds, and Renault says they'll provide a range of about 125 miles. The company plans to have several hundred EVs on the road in Israel within a year. Shai Agassi, who founded Project Better Place after leaving software giant SAP, says the start-up plans to use solar energy generated in the Negev Desert to power the vehicles.

Project Better Place has raised $200 million to finance the project, and the Israeli government has promised big tax breaks for electric vehicles. Denmark has signed on to Agassi's plan and hopes to begin offering electric cars by 2011. The Israeli newspaper Globes says an undisclosed Persian Gulf state is negotiating a similar arrangement.

These deals will only help Renault and Nissan develop the "range of electric vehicles" Ghosn has promised. According to the Sunday Times, he considers EVs the most important development within the auto industry and says Israel is the ideal place to launch them because it's a small country where people make short trips. He expects the first electric Nissans to be available to fleets in 2010 and to the mass-market by 2012.

Main photo: Associated Press. Second photo: Project Better Place.

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]

That's a pretty good day out in the dunes and with power like that available at the base of a grade it's no wonder the announcement sparked substantial interest. According to the company, after announcing the all electric car, requests for quote have skyrocketed 1,056% in the week since. We see only two problems with all of this. First, Xtreme went out of their way to create the extremely tiresome ZES acronym — of course, Zero Emissions Sandcar, ugh. Second, it's going to be awfully spooky when a mid-flight sand car sails overhead in complete silence. [Xtreme Motorsports]