Jalopnik: hybrid technologies

Sam's Club Offering $100k Electric Sports Car From Hybrid Technologies

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

Make room in the shopping cart next to the family-sized toilet paper and ten-gallon jug of industrial apple juice, as Sam's Club is now selling a new all-electric sports car from Hybrid Technologies for the bargain price of just $100,000. Hybrid Technologies, if you remember, builds lithium battery-powered versions of the Mullen GT like the one we drove at the New York Auto Show. This will be a new and improved version which does away with the 'ugliness' and adds 'generic mid-engined supercar hotness,' along with a 200-mile range, 0-60 time of five seconds and a top speed of 150 MPH.

The car is being sold as part of a "ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME Own the World’s Ultimate Electric Super Car Package" promo Sam's is putting on, where the first eager buyer with a membership and the ability to log on to the company's website can buy it on November 12th. The package includes round-trip airfare and lodging for two in Los Angeles, time and training at a local race track, the very first car off the production line and shipping to get the car home at the end. (Hat Tip goes to goatrope) [Sams Club]

Hybrid Technologies Building 220mpg Supercar That's Faster Than ZR1

Wes Siler — Wed, 28 May 2008 16:40:00 EDT

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.

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 Quiet One: Mini EV

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:55:00 EDT

When's a Mini Cooper worth as much as a BMW 5-Series? When it's powered by electrons and plugs into a wall socket. The Mini in question is from EV engineering firm Hybrid Technologies, which will add it to the company's line of converted EVs. Those currently (heh heh) include the Smart Fortwo, and Chrysler PT Cruiser taxicab. The e-Mini (not its proper name) uses similar lithium polymer batteries as an iPod, and will likely hit next year 2008. It's for premature adopters only; as AutoblogGreen points out, it'll take 32 years to make up the price difference in gas savings. No word on an electric John Cooper Works version, but something like that may already be in play. [via AutoblogGreen]

Popular Mechanics Catches 600HP Mullen Motor GT Getting Electric For New York Auto Show

Ray Wert — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 09:28:31 EDT

The popular kids who happen to be mechanics were lucky enough to spot a fun little under cover toy as they were leaving the Javits Center the other day at the conclusion of New York's fab little auto show. One of those Popular Mechanics, Ben Chertoff, can take it from here:

"We went...to investigate, and discovered the L1X-75, a 600-hp, carbon-fiber rocket that's powered by nothing more than your 110 outlet.

Sure, the speedster has none of the creature comforts of its Javitz Center brethren (you know, airbags, radio, rear-view mirrors, turn signals), but what it lacks in style it makes up for in function. Hybrid Technologies' thoroughbred pulls from zero-60 in just 3.1 seconds as it launches towards a top speed of 175 mph and a maximum range of around 200 miles."

The video's fun enough, even if only to hear Ben Chertoff explain that the easiest way to tell the difference between a gas-powered car and a battery-powered car is that a battery-powered car has "a socket where you can plug it in." But it looks like the "lithium-powered induction motors" make it different from that other electric power-sled we've covered, as it "makes a noise like a jet engine." Eat your heart out Tesla Motors. – Ray Wert

Hybrid Technologies L1X-75: Zero-60 in 3.1 Seconds, Batteries Included [Popular Mechanics]

Hybrid Technologies Launches Electric Mullen Sports Car

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 16:26:01 EST

Electric-vehicles doohicky builder Hybrid Technologies is set to launch the previously announced all-electric version of the Mullen L1X-75 supercar. It's called the L1X-75 GT, and it's a carbon-fiber-bodied version of the V8 Mullen, called out by Forbes as the seventh fastest car in the US, a designation shared among the Saleen S7 and Dodge Viper. Hybrid Technologies's propulsion system, fed by a lithium battery — the company says — is "aimed at surpassing current electric sports cars," not mentioning the high-profile Tesla sports car by name (hint hint). Hybrid Technologies expects to market the $125,000 EV in Japan, the United Arab Emirates and the US. In other news, all-electric track day is coming up any time now. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

Hybrid Technologies Inc. Set to Launch GT Version of L1X-75 All Carbon Fiber Lithium Supercar

Hybrid Technologies, Inc. emerging leaders in the development and marketing of lithium powered products worldwide, has taken delivery of a specially designed, all carbon fiber version of the L1X-75. A joint venture with Mullen Motor Company has produced a significant advancement in the supercar arena with the launching of the L1X-75 GT.

Mullen was named by Forbes Magazine as the 7th fastest American production car, an honor shared with Saleen and Dodge Viper. The distinctive L1X-75 GT with its' combination of style, handling and performance makes it one of the most outstanding cars produced in the world today.

Hybrid Technologies, in conjunction with Mullen, has created a platform aimed at surpassing current electric sports cars with the use of a highly advanced battery management system, along with a proprietary battery balancing system. The L1X-75 GT incorporates safety elements that are presently incorporated into Hybrid's consumer products such as the New York City Taxi and the NASA Smart Car used at Kennedy Space Center.

The L1X-75 GT platform and carbon fiber body was produced in Los Angeles, CA while the propulsion system is being produced in Mooresville, NC.

At the time of press, Hybrid has announced an MSRP of $125,000 USD.
For more information about Hybrid Technologies visit www.hybridtechnologies.com, and for more information about Mullen Motor www.mullenmotorco.com