Thursday, August 19, 2010
Look out below: Mitsubishi drops i-MiEV still-high price by £10,000
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, UK
Mitsubishi i-MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery
How low can Mitsubishi go? In March, the Japanese company took $6,700 off of the price of the electric i-MiEV in Japan, partially in response to Nissan's low price of $32,780 for the Leaf electric vehicle (EV). Mitsubishi also announced a sub-$30,000 target for its i-MiEV in the U.S. Mitsubishi's plan to bring the electric jellybean to the UK is also much more in line with the recent price drops than the original price (in Japan) of around f $48,800. What Car? is reporting that the EV will go on sale January 1, 2011 with a price tag that reads £28,990 ($45,256 U.S. at current exchange rates), and that can be reduced further with a £5,000 ($7,800 U.S.) incentive from the government for a final total of £23,990 ($37,450 U.S.). Earlier this year, Mitsubishi had said the i-MiEV would cost £38,699 ($60,413 U.S.).
Autocar also says the i-MiEV's specifications include:
All-round electric windows
Central door locking with keyless entry
Driver's and front passenger's front airbags
Side and curtain air bags
Heated driver's seat and wing mirrors
CD player
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Leather-wrapped shift knob
Headlamp levelling device
Battery remaining indicator
Air conditioning
Alloy wheelsThe i-MiEV's batteries and powertrain components will also have a five-year, 62,500-mile warranty.
[Source: What Car?]Look out below: Mitsubishi drops i-MiEV still-high price by £10,000 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
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Mitsubishi i-MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery
How low can Mitsubishi go? In March, the Japanese company took $6,700 off of the price of the electric i-MiEV in Japan, partially in response to Nissan's low price of $32,780 for the Leaf electric vehicle (EV). Mitsubishi also announced a sub-$30,000 target for its i-MiEV in the U.S. Mitsubishi's plan to bring the electric jellybean to the UK is also much more in line with the recent price drops than the original price (in Japan) of around f $48,800. What Car? is reporting that the EV will go on sale January 1, 2011 with a price tag that reads £28,990 ($45,256 U.S. at current exchange rates), and that can be reduced further with a £5,000 ($7,800 U.S.) incentive from the government for a final total of £23,990 ($37,450 U.S.). Earlier this year, Mitsubishi had said the i-MiEV would cost £38,699 ($60,413 U.S.).
Autocar also says the i-MiEV's specifications include:
All-round electric windows
Central door locking with keyless entry
Driver's and front passenger's front airbags
Side and curtain air bags
Heated driver's seat and wing mirrors
CD player
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Leather-wrapped shift knob
Headlamp levelling device
Battery remaining indicator
Air conditioning
Alloy wheelsThe i-MiEV's batteries and powertrain components will also have a five-year, 62,500-mile warranty.
Gallery: Mitsubishi iMiEV production model
[Source: What Car?]Look out below: Mitsubishi drops i-MiEV still-high price by £10,000 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
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DeLaSalle School students build super-efficient electric car that gets 307 mpge
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, USA
DeLaSalle School electric car - Click above to watch video after the jump
A team of students taking part in the Automobile Design Studio at Kansas City's DeLaSalle School have put together an electric car they think could be the most efficient in the world. Testing on the 7.7 mile oval of Bridgestone's Texas Proving Ground have given them a number that the Automotive X-Prize participants would be jealous of - 307 miles per gallon equivalent.
The students started with a 2000 Lola Indy Car chassis and, with the help of instructor Steve Rees and other mentors, developed an electric drivetrain, covered the racer in a clear shell and outfitted it with a set of low rolling resistance Bridgestone Ecopia EP100 tires. While we can't say whether it is the most efficient electric ever built, the Guinness Book of Records folks have been asked to weigh in on the matter. Hit the jump for a pair of videos discussing the project and showing it being put together and tested. Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
[Source: Bridgestone Americas Inc]
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DeLaSalle School electric car - Click above to watch video after the jumpA team of students taking part in the Automobile Design Studio at Kansas City's DeLaSalle School have put together an electric car they think could be the most efficient in the world. Testing on the 7.7 mile oval of Bridgestone's Texas Proving Ground have given them a number that the Automotive X-Prize participants would be jealous of - 307 miles per gallon equivalent.
The students started with a 2000 Lola Indy Car chassis and, with the help of instructor Steve Rees and other mentors, developed an electric drivetrain, covered the racer in a clear shell and outfitted it with a set of low rolling resistance Bridgestone Ecopia EP100 tires. While we can't say whether it is the most efficient electric ever built, the Guinness Book of Records folks have been asked to weigh in on the matter. Hit the jump for a pair of videos discussing the project and showing it being put together and tested. Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
Gallery: DeLaSalle School electric car
[Source: Bridgestone Americas Inc]
Continue reading DeLaSalle School students build super-efficient electric car that gets 307 mpge
DeLaSalle School students build super-efficient electric car that gets 307 mpge originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.
Does driving make you fat? Can public transportation, biking and walking keep you skinny?
Filed under: Etc., Green Daily
To follow up on our recent article titled "Overweight and overfueled - fat America uses more gas" we thought we'd offer some additional information that's relevant to the topic. A recent study conducted by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) suggests that U.S. drivers may be overweight partially due to factors beyond their immediate control. The APTA study found that:
[Source: Good.is, Trust for America's Health, American Public Transportation Association | Image: tyger_lyllie C.C. License 2.0]
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To follow up on our recent article titled "Overweight and overfueled - fat America uses more gas" we thought we'd offer some additional information that's relevant to the topic. A recent study conducted by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) suggests that U.S. drivers may be overweight partially due to factors beyond their immediate control. The APTA study found that:
People who live in communities with high-quality public transportation drive less, exercise more, live longer, and are generally healthier than residents of communities that lack quality public transit.How does public transportation directly effect your health? Well, according to APTA president William Millar:
Public transportation enhances the overall quality of life of an individual and a community. Use of public transit simply means that you walk more which increases fitness levels and leads to healthier citizens. More importantly, increasing use of public transit may be the most effective traffic safety counter measure a community can employ.But the causal relationship between public transportation and health does not end there. A recent report compiled by Trust for America's Health and the U.S. Census Bureau concludes that "driving is why you're fat." In a roundabout way, the report suggests that states with a higher percentage of people who commute via bike, public transportation or by walking, are indeed much less likely to report a high rate of obesity. In fact, this online transparency, put together by Good.is, shows the causal relationship between means of transportation and each state's reported obesity rate. After glancing over the graphic, maybe you'll want to join the majority of the U.S. by demanding better public transportation. Hit the jump for more info from the APTA and click here (PDF) to read its recently published study titled "Evaluating Public Transportation Health Benefits."
[Source: Good.is, Trust for America's Health, American Public Transportation Association | Image: tyger_lyllie C.C. License 2.0]
Continue reading Does driving make you fat? Can public transportation, biking and walking keep you skinny?
Does driving make you fat? Can public transportation, biking and walking keep you skinny? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.
DuPont introduces Energain li-ion battery separator; claims it boosts power 30%
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Green Daily
DuPont has just introduced the world's first nanofiber-based polymeric lithium-ion battery separator that could prove to be a remarkable innovation in the rechargeable automotive battery industry. DuPont claims that its Energain nanofiber separators can increase battery power by 15-30 percent while also lengthening battery life by up to 20 percent. In addition, DuPont's nanofiber separator is said to improve battery stability at high temperatures, leading to safer operation.
DuPont believes that automakers will utilize the power-boosting Energain technology to extend the range of electric vehicles (EVs) and to provide hybrids with additional battery power that could hasten acceleration numbers. Additionally, DuPont believes that the boost in power provided by Energain will allow some automakers to reduce the number of on-board batteries needed to go a specific distance, thus leading to a significant weight reduction and an increase in fuel economy.
DuPont has begun construction on a production facility in Chesterfield County, VA. The facility, which should be operational early next year, will be able to produce enough Energain separators to supply up to 20 percent of the current hybrids and EVs in production, suggesting that DuPont firmly believes that automakers will be enamored with the benefits that Energain claims to offer. Follow the jump for more info on DuPont's Energain li-ion battery separators. Hat tip to Larzen!
[Source: DuPont]
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DuPont has just introduced the world's first nanofiber-based polymeric lithium-ion battery separator that could prove to be a remarkable innovation in the rechargeable automotive battery industry. DuPont claims that its Energain nanofiber separators can increase battery power by 15-30 percent while also lengthening battery life by up to 20 percent. In addition, DuPont's nanofiber separator is said to improve battery stability at high temperatures, leading to safer operation.
DuPont believes that automakers will utilize the power-boosting Energain technology to extend the range of electric vehicles (EVs) and to provide hybrids with additional battery power that could hasten acceleration numbers. Additionally, DuPont believes that the boost in power provided by Energain will allow some automakers to reduce the number of on-board batteries needed to go a specific distance, thus leading to a significant weight reduction and an increase in fuel economy.
DuPont has begun construction on a production facility in Chesterfield County, VA. The facility, which should be operational early next year, will be able to produce enough Energain separators to supply up to 20 percent of the current hybrids and EVs in production, suggesting that DuPont firmly believes that automakers will be enamored with the benefits that Energain claims to offer. Follow the jump for more info on DuPont's Energain li-ion battery separators. Hat tip to Larzen!
[Source: DuPont]
Continue reading DuPont introduces Energain li-ion battery separator; claims it boosts power 30%
DuPont introduces Energain li-ion battery separator; claims it boosts power 30% originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.
Report: UK will keep funding electric car charging stations with Plugged-In Places
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, UK
EV'IE - click above for more
Late last year, the British government declared it would spend big money - up to £30 million ($47 million U.S. at current exchange rates) - on an electric vehicle project called Plugged-In Places. Since then, the government has changed hands and there's been some question whether the government would keep its clean vehicle promises. The Guardian is now reporting that, most likely, Plugged-in Places will survive an upcoming government spending review. The details are still devilishly unknown, but a government source told the paper that, "It's almost been given the nod."
The plans calls for the first three plugged-in places to be London, Milton Keynes and the North East, which will get around 11,000 charging stations in the next three years. Right now, there are only about 100 charge stations in the entire UK, and plug-in vehicle manufacturers have said they may not build new electric car plants in the UK if more charging stations were not installed.
[Source: Guardian via Green Car Congress]Report: UK will keep funding electric car charging stations with Plugged-In Places originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
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EV'IE - click above for more
Late last year, the British government declared it would spend big money - up to £30 million ($47 million U.S. at current exchange rates) - on an electric vehicle project called Plugged-In Places. Since then, the government has changed hands and there's been some question whether the government would keep its clean vehicle promises. The Guardian is now reporting that, most likely, Plugged-in Places will survive an upcoming government spending review. The details are still devilishly unknown, but a government source told the paper that, "It's almost been given the nod."
The plans calls for the first three plugged-in places to be London, Milton Keynes and the North East, which will get around 11,000 charging stations in the next three years. Right now, there are only about 100 charge stations in the entire UK, and plug-in vehicle manufacturers have said they may not build new electric car plants in the UK if more charging stations were not installed.
[Source: Guardian via Green Car Congress]Report: UK will keep funding electric car charging stations with Plugged-In Places originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
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Strength of yen makes exporting Corolla, Yaris to U.S. unprofitable for Toyota
Filed under: MPG, Toyota, Green Daily, Lightweight
2010 Toyota Yaris - Click above for high-res image gallery
Either the strength of the dollar has hit a new low or the Japanese yen has reached an unpredicted high. Regardless of how you look at it, the yen-to-dollar exchange rate has forced Toyota to reconsider exporting its fuel efficient, bargain-priced Yaris subcompact and Corolla compact to the U.S. with claims that the process would be unprofitable.
Luckily, Toyota has restarted construction at it Tupelo-area plant, with reports suggesting that the company will build the perennially hot-selling Corolla there starting late next year, but that still leaves us wondering about Toyota's immediate plans for both vehicles. Atsushi Niimi, Toyota's executive vice president for global manufacturing, told reporters that the company is looking into the feasibility of profitably building the Yaris in the U.S. Niimi said:
[Source: Green Car Advisor]Strength of yen makes exporting Corolla, Yaris to U.S. unprofitable for Toyota originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
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2010 Toyota Yaris - Click above for high-res image galleryEither the strength of the dollar has hit a new low or the Japanese yen has reached an unpredicted high. Regardless of how you look at it, the yen-to-dollar exchange rate has forced Toyota to reconsider exporting its fuel efficient, bargain-priced Yaris subcompact and Corolla compact to the U.S. with claims that the process would be unprofitable.
Luckily, Toyota has restarted construction at it Tupelo-area plant, with reports suggesting that the company will build the perennially hot-selling Corolla there starting late next year, but that still leaves us wondering about Toyota's immediate plans for both vehicles. Atsushi Niimi, Toyota's executive vice president for global manufacturing, told reporters that the company is looking into the feasibility of profitably building the Yaris in the U.S. Niimi said:
Given the current exchange-rate situation, it isn't feasible, in terms of a business model, for us to produce Corolla or Yaris in Japan and export them. We're working very hard to reduce costs to maintain the appeal of these cars.So, it looks like Toyota is faced with a problem that has several possible solutions. The company could retool a U.S.-based plant to produce both models, it could increase the MSRP of its budget-priced vehicles, or just take a hit on each Yaris and Corolla sold, while making up for the loss with higher-priced offerings. Which path would you choose?
[Source: Green Car Advisor]Strength of yen makes exporting Corolla, Yaris to U.S. unprofitable for Toyota originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
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General Motors IPO filing focuses on green technologies, serious risks
Filed under: Ethanol, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Hydrogen, MPG, GM, Legislation and Policy
Yesterday, General Motors finally submitted its S-1 document to the Securities and Exchange Commission as the first official step towards becoming a publicly traded company again. As we found when Tesla went down this path earlier this year, an IPO means a company has to outline the potential pitfalls it faces going forward in addition to all of the positive moves it plans to make.
On the positive side, GM recognizes that it still faces a negative consumer perception when it comes to fuel economy and says it will to strive to become the most fuel efficient automaker in the industry. In order to do that, GM is planning to use all of the technologies at its disposal to elevate the miles-per-gallon numbers on its products in hopes of drawing consumers. That will range from more conventional technologies like downsized, turbocharged,direct-injected engines to more hybrid and electric vehicles.
However, GM also acknowledges that meeting customer and CAFE requirements is going to add to the cost of vehicles in the future and could put downward pressure on sales. The more advanced technologies, like fuel cells and batteries, face even bigger hurdles as neither one has yet proven commercially feasible and there is no guarantee that GM and its suppliers will be able to bring down the costs as hoped. Nonetheless, alternative propulsion systems will be GM's top research priority going forward.
GM has also applied for up to $14.4 billion in low interest loans through the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing program but there is no guarantee that it will receive any of that money. If GM is not approved for ATVM loans, it will be more expensive for it to develop and tool up new technologies.
[Source: Earth2Tech, Securities and Exchange Commission | Image: Associated Press/Paul Sancya]General Motors IPO filing focuses on green technologies, serious risks originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
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Yesterday, General Motors finally submitted its S-1 document to the Securities and Exchange Commission as the first official step towards becoming a publicly traded company again. As we found when Tesla went down this path earlier this year, an IPO means a company has to outline the potential pitfalls it faces going forward in addition to all of the positive moves it plans to make.
On the positive side, GM recognizes that it still faces a negative consumer perception when it comes to fuel economy and says it will to strive to become the most fuel efficient automaker in the industry. In order to do that, GM is planning to use all of the technologies at its disposal to elevate the miles-per-gallon numbers on its products in hopes of drawing consumers. That will range from more conventional technologies like downsized, turbocharged,direct-injected engines to more hybrid and electric vehicles.
However, GM also acknowledges that meeting customer and CAFE requirements is going to add to the cost of vehicles in the future and could put downward pressure on sales. The more advanced technologies, like fuel cells and batteries, face even bigger hurdles as neither one has yet proven commercially feasible and there is no guarantee that GM and its suppliers will be able to bring down the costs as hoped. Nonetheless, alternative propulsion systems will be GM's top research priority going forward.
GM has also applied for up to $14.4 billion in low interest loans through the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing program but there is no guarantee that it will receive any of that money. If GM is not approved for ATVM loans, it will be more expensive for it to develop and tool up new technologies.
[Source: Earth2Tech, Securities and Exchange Commission | Image: Associated Press/Paul Sancya]General Motors IPO filing focuses on green technologies, serious risks originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
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GM demonstrates EN-V podcars' autonomous driving skills at Expo 2010
Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, GM, Green Daily, Lightweight, NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle)
GM EN-V concepts - Click above for high-res image gallery
Just days ago, the latest electric vehicle concepts from General Motors went through some rather unusual trial runs outside of the SAIC-GM Pavilion at Shanghai's Expo Park. The vehicles, known as the EN-V models and consisting of Miao (Magic), Jiao (Pride) and Xiao (Laugh), navigated a course with unforeseen obstacles within the tight confines of a makeshift demonstration track at the Expo Park.
While it's expected that a vehicle the size of the EN-V would perform admirably on a tight course designed to showcase the urban mobility of GM's concept, the mere fact that the models moved about without driver input makes the trial runs that much more remarkable. The EN-V models displayed their autonomous driving skills and the crowd on hand was amazed by the concept's maneuverability. Fitted with the latest GPS, vehicle-to-vehicle connectivity and an array of sensors and cameras, the EN-V trio:
[Source: General Motors]
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GM EN-V concepts - Click above for high-res image gallery
Just days ago, the latest electric vehicle concepts from General Motors went through some rather unusual trial runs outside of the SAIC-GM Pavilion at Shanghai's Expo Park. The vehicles, known as the EN-V models and consisting of Miao (Magic), Jiao (Pride) and Xiao (Laugh), navigated a course with unforeseen obstacles within the tight confines of a makeshift demonstration track at the Expo Park.
While it's expected that a vehicle the size of the EN-V would perform admirably on a tight course designed to showcase the urban mobility of GM's concept, the mere fact that the models moved about without driver input makes the trial runs that much more remarkable. The EN-V models displayed their autonomous driving skills and the crowd on hand was amazed by the concept's maneuverability. Fitted with the latest GPS, vehicle-to-vehicle connectivity and an array of sensors and cameras, the EN-V trio:
Showcased their ability to react quickly to unforeseen obstacles and changes in driving conditions, as well as their great maneuverability and agility empowered by dynamic stabilization technology. They literally turned on dime in front of the audience, making the driving experience even more enjoyable.Packing a 3.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack, an 18kW electric motor and a host of advanced features into a vehicle that measures less than five feet long, the EN-V concepts appear to be ideally suited for the emerging megacities that will soon dot the entire globe. Follow the jump for more info on the EN-V's autonomous driving demonstration.
Gallery: GM EN-V concepts
[Source: General Motors]
Continue reading GM demonstrates EN-V podcars' autonomous driving skills at Expo 2010
GM demonstrates EN-V podcars' autonomous driving skills at Expo 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.
One stock analyst says Tesla will fail like internet groceries
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors
Who remembers Webvan? Go ahead and raise your hands. Hmm, that's not a lot of hands. Well, Webvan was one of the biggest flameouts of the late-1990s dot-com bubble. After raising hundreds of millions of dollars in venture capital and an initial public offering, it spent even more building warehouses and buying delivery trucks to take internet orders for groceries and deliver them to customers homes at the time of their choosing. Unfortunately, Webvan had management with no experience in the grocery business and the project was a totally unsustainable business model.
Writing for the The Street, Eric Jackson says Tesla is doomed to the same fate. Jackson points at the risk factors section of the pre-IPO S-1 filing and highlights a number of items as indicators of the electric car company's likely failure. The lack of experienced auto industry executives in the company - highlighted by CEO Elon Musk as a plus as Tesla tries a new way of building cars - is something Jackson believes is a huge mistake.
Jackson also highlights the slowing sales of the Roadster and the uncertain timing of Model S production as potential pitfalls as revenues will stumble until volume deliveries of the new car start. Even then there is no guarantee that Tesla can build the Model S profitably.
While all of these are valid points, Jackson never makes any mention of Tesla's relationships with either Daimler or Toyota. It's certainly possible that neither of these deals will amount to anything significant, but Tesla does at least have some intellectual property that might be of value, and while it may or may not survive as a going concern, it will almost certainly at least get gobbled up by another automaker.
In other Tesla news, the carmaker has selected Dimensional Control Systems to provide engineering software tools for tolerance analysis as it proceeds with development of the Model S. Read more about this after the jump.
[Source: The Street, Dimensional Control Systems]
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.
Who remembers Webvan? Go ahead and raise your hands. Hmm, that's not a lot of hands. Well, Webvan was one of the biggest flameouts of the late-1990s dot-com bubble. After raising hundreds of millions of dollars in venture capital and an initial public offering, it spent even more building warehouses and buying delivery trucks to take internet orders for groceries and deliver them to customers homes at the time of their choosing. Unfortunately, Webvan had management with no experience in the grocery business and the project was a totally unsustainable business model.
Writing for the The Street, Eric Jackson says Tesla is doomed to the same fate. Jackson points at the risk factors section of the pre-IPO S-1 filing and highlights a number of items as indicators of the electric car company's likely failure. The lack of experienced auto industry executives in the company - highlighted by CEO Elon Musk as a plus as Tesla tries a new way of building cars - is something Jackson believes is a huge mistake.
Jackson also highlights the slowing sales of the Roadster and the uncertain timing of Model S production as potential pitfalls as revenues will stumble until volume deliveries of the new car start. Even then there is no guarantee that Tesla can build the Model S profitably.
While all of these are valid points, Jackson never makes any mention of Tesla's relationships with either Daimler or Toyota. It's certainly possible that neither of these deals will amount to anything significant, but Tesla does at least have some intellectual property that might be of value, and while it may or may not survive as a going concern, it will almost certainly at least get gobbled up by another automaker.
In other Tesla news, the carmaker has selected Dimensional Control Systems to provide engineering software tools for tolerance analysis as it proceeds with development of the Model S. Read more about this after the jump.
[Source: The Street, Dimensional Control Systems]
Continue reading One stock analyst says Tesla will fail like internet groceries
One stock analyst says Tesla will fail like internet groceries originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.
Bolivian mining protests highlight need for energy and transportation diversity
Filed under: Etc.
Anti-government protests in southern Bolivia over the past several weeks again highlight the risks of migrating to technologies that rely heavily on raw materials from limited sources. The protesters, who are calling for increased infrastructure development in the Potosi region of southern Bolivia, have virtually shut down lead, silver and zinc mines for more than two weeks. While Bolivia is mineral rich, much of the population has remained impoverished.
Bolivia has some of the world's largest known deposits of lithium, but so far the unrest has not affected those operations. The mines that have been shut down are owned by Sumitomo Corp of Japan. President Evo Morale's administration has promised not to use force to break up the protests and mining operations resumed earlier this week, however there is no gaurantee that protests won't spread. What this situation points out is the need to diversify energy and transportation sources. Just as relying entirely on a petroleum monoculture is bad for society and the environment, excessive reliance on lithium from one or two locations for advanced vehicle batteries could create its own problems.
[Source: Reuters | Image: Jennifrog - Flickr]Bolivian mining protests highlight need for energy and transportation diversity originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.
Anti-government protests in southern Bolivia over the past several weeks again highlight the risks of migrating to technologies that rely heavily on raw materials from limited sources. The protesters, who are calling for increased infrastructure development in the Potosi region of southern Bolivia, have virtually shut down lead, silver and zinc mines for more than two weeks. While Bolivia is mineral rich, much of the population has remained impoverished.
Bolivia has some of the world's largest known deposits of lithium, but so far the unrest has not affected those operations. The mines that have been shut down are owned by Sumitomo Corp of Japan. President Evo Morale's administration has promised not to use force to break up the protests and mining operations resumed earlier this week, however there is no gaurantee that protests won't spread. What this situation points out is the need to diversify energy and transportation sources. Just as relying entirely on a petroleum monoculture is bad for society and the environment, excessive reliance on lithium from one or two locations for advanced vehicle batteries could create its own problems.
[Source: Reuters | Image: Jennifrog - Flickr]Bolivian mining protests highlight need for energy and transportation diversity originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
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Video: Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid undergoes shakedown drive, production version will be more powerful
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Porsche, Green Daily
Porsche 918 Spyder - Click above to watch video after the jump
The Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid lit up the stage at the Geneva Motor Show and was easily one of the most memorable and surprising sights found at this year's event. The car's appearance in Geneva triggered positive responses from both the press and the car-buying public. Almost immediately after its stage debut, Porsche signaled its intent to produce the lusty hybrid sportscar. A few months later, the German automaker followed up with an official announcement stating that the 918 Spyder was approved for production. Even better for fans of Porsche's racing roots, the production 918 Spyder will reportedly be even more powerful than the concept.
Now, we've got video of the 918 Spyder in action. The vehicle was flown in from Germany, put through some secretive shakedown tests and sent off for its appearance at the annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Monterey, CA. This concept uses a 500 bhp V8 gasoline engine and electric motors that put out a total of 218 bhp. Porsche will reportedly make 1,200 of these vehicles for the low, low cost of £400,000 (that's just $625,600 U.S. at current exchange rates). Follow the jump to see and hear the Porsche 918 Spyder in action. Simply put, the 918's soundtrack is aurally amazing.
[Source: Wired, YouTube, Autocar]
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.
Porsche 918 Spyder - Click above to watch video after the jumpThe Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid lit up the stage at the Geneva Motor Show and was easily one of the most memorable and surprising sights found at this year's event. The car's appearance in Geneva triggered positive responses from both the press and the car-buying public. Almost immediately after its stage debut, Porsche signaled its intent to produce the lusty hybrid sportscar. A few months later, the German automaker followed up with an official announcement stating that the 918 Spyder was approved for production. Even better for fans of Porsche's racing roots, the production 918 Spyder will reportedly be even more powerful than the concept.
Now, we've got video of the 918 Spyder in action. The vehicle was flown in from Germany, put through some secretive shakedown tests and sent off for its appearance at the annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Monterey, CA. This concept uses a 500 bhp V8 gasoline engine and electric motors that put out a total of 218 bhp. Porsche will reportedly make 1,200 of these vehicles for the low, low cost of £400,000 (that's just $625,600 U.S. at current exchange rates). Follow the jump to see and hear the Porsche 918 Spyder in action. Simply put, the 918's soundtrack is aurally amazing.
[Source: Wired, YouTube, Autocar]
Continue reading Video: Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid undergoes shakedown drive, production version will be more powerful
Video: Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid undergoes shakedown drive, production version will be more powerful originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
LA 2010: Annual design challenge asks to see the 1,000 pound car
Filed under: MPG, LA Auto Show, Lightweight
We don't need to remind you that saving weight in vehicles is pretty much the same thing as saving fuel. The hard part, of course, is building a vehicle that comes from the factory with as little excess weight as possible while still providing all the safety features and other options that people expect in their cars today. Maybe young designers can help us figure out the best way to thread this needle.
At the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show that's happening in November, a design challenge is being delivered to design studios around the world to show off a 1,500-pound (with occupants, 1,000 pounds without), 2+2 vehicle that, in the words of the press release:
is both comfortable and secure, while delivering satisfactory driving performance without sacrificing the emotional connection and beautiful styling consumers demand.The show organizers say that studios from General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Smart, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota and Volvo will participate. Expect to see lightweight materials and high-tech options in vehicles that try to include, "artistic beauty, comfort, uniqueness of design, roadworthiness, sustainability, performance and user-friendliness of the vehicle." That's a tall order.
Last year's design challenge asked to see the Youthmobile vehicles of 2035. See those entries here.
[Source: LA Auto Show]
We don't need to remind you that saving weight in vehicles is pretty much the same thing as saving fuel. The hard part, of course, is building a vehicle that comes from the factory with as little excess weight as possible while still providing all the safety features and other options that people expect in their cars today. Maybe young designers can help us figure out the best way to thread this needle.
At the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show that's happening in November, a design challenge is being delivered to design studios around the world to show off a 1,500-pound (with occupants, 1,000 pounds without), 2+2 vehicle that, in the words of the press release:
is both comfortable and secure, while delivering satisfactory driving performance without sacrificing the emotional connection and beautiful styling consumers demand.The show organizers say that studios from General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Smart, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota and Volvo will participate. Expect to see lightweight materials and high-tech options in vehicles that try to include, "artistic beauty, comfort, uniqueness of design, roadworthiness, sustainability, performance and user-friendliness of the vehicle." That's a tall order.
Last year's design challenge asked to see the Youthmobile vehicles of 2035. See those entries here.
[Source: LA Auto Show]
Continue reading LA 2010: Annual design challenge asks to see the 1,000 pound car
LA 2010: Annual design challenge asks to see the 1,000 pound car originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Price War! Second Nissan dealer commits to beating "$1,000 below MSRP" Leaf deal
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan, Green DailyNissan Leaf - Click above for high-res image gallery
After reporting that at least one Nissan dealer has committed to selling the upcoming Leaf for $1,000 below MSRP, we assumed that others would slowly follow suit. Well, sure 'nuff, another dealership has announced it will match or beat any offer out there, including the claimed $1,000 off of MSRP. The dealer, Connell Nissan of Costa Mesa, CA hopes to swipe up Leaf sales with a deal that really can't be beat. Connell Nissan's general manger, Mark Ranauro, posted on the MyNissanLeaf forum: Connell Nissan will meet or beat any advertised price that can be verified. We are dedicated to earning your business. When you get your invitation from Nissan, select Connell Nissan Costa Mesa and let us know you are from the Leaf forum to receive your special price. At this time, a dealer is offering $1,000 off MSRP. We will offer that or more.
Let the price wars continue to wage on. What's next? $2,000 below MSRP? Who knows, but we'd definitely love to see a dealer step up to the plate by offering another unbeatable deal on the Leaf. Hat tip to EVNow!
Photos by Sebastian Blanco / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: MyNissanLeaf]Price War! Second Nissan dealer commits to beating "$1,000 below MSRP" Leaf deal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
After reporting that at least one Nissan dealer has committed to selling the upcoming Leaf for $1,000 below MSRP, we assumed that others would slowly follow suit. Well, sure 'nuff, another dealership has announced it will match or beat any offer out there, including the claimed $1,000 off of MSRP. The dealer, Connell Nissan of Costa Mesa, CA hopes to swipe up Leaf sales with a deal that really can't be beat. Connell Nissan's general manger, Mark Ranauro, posted on the MyNissanLeaf forum: Connell Nissan will meet or beat any advertised price that can be verified. We are dedicated to earning your business. When you get your invitation from Nissan, select Connell Nissan Costa Mesa and let us know you are from the Leaf forum to receive your special price. At this time, a dealer is offering $1,000 off MSRP. We will offer that or more.
Let the price wars continue to wage on. What's next? $2,000 below MSRP? Who knows, but we'd definitely love to see a dealer step up to the plate by offering another unbeatable deal on the Leaf. Hat tip to EVNow!
Gallery: New York 2010: Nissan Leaf
Photos by Sebastian Blanco / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: MyNissanLeaf]Price War! Second Nissan dealer commits to beating "$1,000 below MSRP" Leaf deal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
Some numbers regarding electric cars, both good and better
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, MPG
There are a lot of different ways to measure how electric cars will impact our lives, perhaps as many ways to measure as there will be changes to our daily transportation in the coming years. Today, we present two options, one that shows an overall comparison between powering our vehicles using gasoline and the other that shows that lithium-ion-powered cars are not as bad for the environment as some say.
First, the chart. Sent to us by Free Insurance Quotes, we have a simplified chain of numbers that purports to show how the U.S. could potentially generate enough electricity to totally replace the gasoline we currently use to move our vehicles. The chart does, of course, leave out the parts about how we can't just magically replace all of the gas-burning models with plug-in vehicles overnight and we're also not sure about the simplified statement that an electric car "consumes roughly 25 percent as much energy as a gas-powered car," but it does show that there's a lot of potential out there. See the entire image after the jump.
Second, some lifecycle analysis numbers about the impact of lithium-ion batteries on the environment. The short version: they're not as bad as some people said. Basically, it turns out that electric cars that use lithium-ion batteries "beat their gas-fueled counterparts." This research was done by the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) and found:
about 15% of an electric vehicles' total environmental burden comes from manufacturing, maintaining, and disposing of the lithium-ion battery. Most of those costs, about 50%, stem from mining and manufacturing the copper and aluminum used in the battery and its connecting cables. Extracting the necessary lithium produces only 2.3% of the battery's total environmental footprint. Recharging the battery is a big part of running an electric car, of course, and the researchers discovered:
When the vehicles charged up on electricity from coal-fired plants alone, their total environmental impact increased by 13%, but it dropped by 40% when the electricity came solely from hydropower. Finally, we come to the key finding: [Researchers] calculated that a car with an internal combustion engine would need a fuel economy of about 60 to 80 mpg to achieve a lower environmental impact than a battery-powered electric vehicle that recharged using European power sources. So, there are your target numbers, ICE fans.
[Source: Free Insurance Quotes]
There are a lot of different ways to measure how electric cars will impact our lives, perhaps as many ways to measure as there will be changes to our daily transportation in the coming years. Today, we present two options, one that shows an overall comparison between powering our vehicles using gasoline and the other that shows that lithium-ion-powered cars are not as bad for the environment as some say.
First, the chart. Sent to us by Free Insurance Quotes, we have a simplified chain of numbers that purports to show how the U.S. could potentially generate enough electricity to totally replace the gasoline we currently use to move our vehicles. The chart does, of course, leave out the parts about how we can't just magically replace all of the gas-burning models with plug-in vehicles overnight and we're also not sure about the simplified statement that an electric car "consumes roughly 25 percent as much energy as a gas-powered car," but it does show that there's a lot of potential out there. See the entire image after the jump.
Second, some lifecycle analysis numbers about the impact of lithium-ion batteries on the environment. The short version: they're not as bad as some people said. Basically, it turns out that electric cars that use lithium-ion batteries "beat their gas-fueled counterparts." This research was done by the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) and found:
about 15% of an electric vehicles' total environmental burden comes from manufacturing, maintaining, and disposing of the lithium-ion battery. Most of those costs, about 50%, stem from mining and manufacturing the copper and aluminum used in the battery and its connecting cables. Extracting the necessary lithium produces only 2.3% of the battery's total environmental footprint. Recharging the battery is a big part of running an electric car, of course, and the researchers discovered:
When the vehicles charged up on electricity from coal-fired plants alone, their total environmental impact increased by 13%, but it dropped by 40% when the electricity came solely from hydropower. Finally, we come to the key finding: [Researchers] calculated that a car with an internal combustion engine would need a fuel economy of about 60 to 80 mpg to achieve a lower environmental impact than a battery-powered electric vehicle that recharged using European power sources. So, there are your target numbers, ICE fans.
[Source: Free Insurance Quotes]
Continue reading Some numbers regarding electric cars, both good and better
Some numbers regarding electric cars, both good and better originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Study: Hybrid insurance rates will rise
Filed under: Hybrid, Legislation and Policy
Take the internal combustion engine and computer-controlled automatic transmission that can be found in just about every single automobile sold in the past 50 years, add a complex electric motor, high-tech battery pack and a bunch more electronics to make them all play nicely together... and you've got a hybrid. When viewed in this manner, it comes as little surprise that repair costs might be a wee bit higher for a hybrid vehicle than for its conventional siblings ($182 on average higher, for what it's worth).
It's reportedly not just higher repair costs hybrid drivers will need to contend with, according to Mitchell International's Industry Trends. More and more hybrid vehicles are hitting the streets as automakers from Toyota to Porsche and everyone in between are introducing fuel-saving models. And that means these hybrids are traveling more miles than ever before, which in turn means more of their drivers will be turning in insurance claims.
Finally, since there are fewer third-party companies offering replacements parts for specialized hybrid components, work is often done at a dealership with higher labor rates than other repair shops. Add it all up and you can probably see where this is going... insurance rates for hybrid vehicles are expected to go up over the next several years. Sorry to be the bearers of bad news.
[Source: Mitchell International (PDF Link) via Green Car Reports]Study: Hybrid insurance rates will rise originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
Take the internal combustion engine and computer-controlled automatic transmission that can be found in just about every single automobile sold in the past 50 years, add a complex electric motor, high-tech battery pack and a bunch more electronics to make them all play nicely together... and you've got a hybrid. When viewed in this manner, it comes as little surprise that repair costs might be a wee bit higher for a hybrid vehicle than for its conventional siblings ($182 on average higher, for what it's worth).
It's reportedly not just higher repair costs hybrid drivers will need to contend with, according to Mitchell International's Industry Trends. More and more hybrid vehicles are hitting the streets as automakers from Toyota to Porsche and everyone in between are introducing fuel-saving models. And that means these hybrids are traveling more miles than ever before, which in turn means more of their drivers will be turning in insurance claims.
Finally, since there are fewer third-party companies offering replacements parts for specialized hybrid components, work is often done at a dealership with higher labor rates than other repair shops. Add it all up and you can probably see where this is going... insurance rates for hybrid vehicles are expected to go up over the next several years. Sorry to be the bearers of bad news.
[Source: Mitchell International (PDF Link) via Green Car Reports]Study: Hybrid insurance rates will rise originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
Automotive X-Prize: Edison2 gets its engines ruined, manages to stay in competition
Filed under: MPG, Automotive X-PrizeEdison2's Very Light Car - Click above for high-res image gallery
Edison2 is still holding on to its position as the only team left in the mainstream class in the Automotive X-Prize. To get there, team members needed to use slopes to get better fuel economy, cool down the cabin of the Very Light Car using buckets of ice and generally stay nimble to avoid losing the $5 million purse at this late stage. The latest set-back - well, potential set-back - was a big one, but the team is still alive.
Apparently, the motorcycle engines used to power the VLCs were damaged by unnamed third party test drivers at during "coast down" testing recently, reports Green Car Advisor, and that meant that they need to be repaired this week instead of joining the other contestants (from the alternative classes) on the Argonne National Laboratory's dynamometer. X-Prize officials have now given Edison2 permission to have the vehicles independently tested and to have those results count in the final standings. Should the vehilces' emissions and efficiency tests prove the VLC's meet the X-Prize's goals, Edison2 should be declared the winner of the mainstream class next month. So close, and yet still so far.
Photos by Sebastian Blanco / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Green Car Advisor]Automotive X-Prize: Edison2 gets its engines ruined, manages to stay in competition originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
Edison2 is still holding on to its position as the only team left in the mainstream class in the Automotive X-Prize. To get there, team members needed to use slopes to get better fuel economy, cool down the cabin of the Very Light Car using buckets of ice and generally stay nimble to avoid losing the $5 million purse at this late stage. The latest set-back - well, potential set-back - was a big one, but the team is still alive.
Apparently, the motorcycle engines used to power the VLCs were damaged by unnamed third party test drivers at during "coast down" testing recently, reports Green Car Advisor, and that meant that they need to be repaired this week instead of joining the other contestants (from the alternative classes) on the Argonne National Laboratory's dynamometer. X-Prize officials have now given Edison2 permission to have the vehicles independently tested and to have those results count in the final standings. Should the vehilces' emissions and efficiency tests prove the VLC's meet the X-Prize's goals, Edison2 should be declared the winner of the mainstream class next month. So close, and yet still so far.
Gallery: Detroit 2010: Very Light Car
Photos by Sebastian Blanco / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Green Car Advisor]Automotive X-Prize: Edison2 gets its engines ruined, manages to stay in competition originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
Pint-sized Buddy electric vehicle stops 80-ton freight train in its tracks
Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Green Daily
It's certainly not a common sight to see an electric vehicle parked on some desolate train tracks located near Norway's border with Russia, but it's all done for a good cause. The pint-sized Buddy EV, driven by Neptune Network, has halted the operation of the 80-ton freight train you can see in the background in the image above.
According to Neptune Network, the freight train is attempting to leave the Sydvaranger Mines in Kirkenes, Norway while carrying a load of the toxic chemical known as Magnafloc LT37. Neptune Network claims that the mine is illegally polluting a local salmon-fjord with the toxic chemical and suggests that the mining company has ignored complaints from Norway's pollution board calling for the mining operation to clean up its act. Since authorities have been reluctant to act, Frank-Hugo Storelv, leader of Neptune Network, has gathered his team and swung into action by blockading the train's route. The tracks have been blocked since Monday and Neptune Networks intends to hold its position until the pollution stops. Hat tip to Richard!
[Source: ElectricAid | Image: Neptune Network - C.C. License 2.0]Pint-sized Buddy electric vehicle stops 80-ton freight train in its tracks originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
It's certainly not a common sight to see an electric vehicle parked on some desolate train tracks located near Norway's border with Russia, but it's all done for a good cause. The pint-sized Buddy EV, driven by Neptune Network, has halted the operation of the 80-ton freight train you can see in the background in the image above.
According to Neptune Network, the freight train is attempting to leave the Sydvaranger Mines in Kirkenes, Norway while carrying a load of the toxic chemical known as Magnafloc LT37. Neptune Network claims that the mine is illegally polluting a local salmon-fjord with the toxic chemical and suggests that the mining company has ignored complaints from Norway's pollution board calling for the mining operation to clean up its act. Since authorities have been reluctant to act, Frank-Hugo Storelv, leader of Neptune Network, has gathered his team and swung into action by blockading the train's route. The tracks have been blocked since Monday and Neptune Networks intends to hold its position until the pollution stops. Hat tip to Richard!
[Source: ElectricAid | Image: Neptune Network - C.C. License 2.0]Pint-sized Buddy electric vehicle stops 80-ton freight train in its tracks originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
Review: 2010 Lexus HS 250h
A Perfect Prius It Is Not
2010 Lexus HS 250h - Click above for high-res image gallery
Lexus likes to say that it pursues perfection. Toyota's luxury brand has been playing the hybrid game for a while now with converted gas-powered models like the LS, GS and RX hybrids, and few would argue that these models represent the zenith of what a luxury hybrid can be. For that, Lexus finally decided to build a dedicated hybrid model from the ground up, and the result is the HS 250h.
Being that the brand's parent company builds the Prius, the industry benchmark for hybrids in terms of both fuel efficiency and popularity, Lexus has, on the one hand, a much deeper well of hybrid expertise from which to draw than its competition. On the other hand, it has the toughest act to follow in the third-generation Prius. In the minds of many, a true Lexus hybrid should be everything Toyota's magic bean is and more - it should be the perfect Prius.
Funny thing, the HS 250h is not. Lexus hasn't built an upmarket version of the Prius with the HS 250h. Perhaps realizing that after three generations creating about as perfect a parallel hybrid as there is, Lexus up and decided that its own luxury hybrid should have a different mission. Unfortunately, after a week spent behind the wheel of a 2010 HS 250h Premium, we're not still not sure what that mission is. Follow the jump to learn what else we found confusing about Lexus' latest hybrid.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
2010 Lexus HS 250h - Click above for high-res image gallery
Lexus likes to say that it pursues perfection. Toyota's luxury brand has been playing the hybrid game for a while now with converted gas-powered models like the LS, GS and RX hybrids, and few would argue that these models represent the zenith of what a luxury hybrid can be. For that, Lexus finally decided to build a dedicated hybrid model from the ground up, and the result is the HS 250h.
Being that the brand's parent company builds the Prius, the industry benchmark for hybrids in terms of both fuel efficiency and popularity, Lexus has, on the one hand, a much deeper well of hybrid expertise from which to draw than its competition. On the other hand, it has the toughest act to follow in the third-generation Prius. In the minds of many, a true Lexus hybrid should be everything Toyota's magic bean is and more - it should be the perfect Prius.
Funny thing, the HS 250h is not. Lexus hasn't built an upmarket version of the Prius with the HS 250h. Perhaps realizing that after three generations creating about as perfect a parallel hybrid as there is, Lexus up and decided that its own luxury hybrid should have a different mission. Unfortunately, after a week spent behind the wheel of a 2010 HS 250h Premium, we're not still not sure what that mission is. Follow the jump to learn what else we found confusing about Lexus' latest hybrid.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
Continue reading Review: 2010 Lexus HS 250h
Review: 2010 Lexus HS 250h originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Overweight and Overfueled - CDC says fat America uses more gas
Filed under: Etc., MPG, Green Daily, USA
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a new report on obesity in the U.S. According to the study, the U.S. witnessed a 1.1 percent increase in the number of self-reported people with obesity between 2007 and 2009. The increase amounts to 2.4 million additional Americans admitting that they have joined the category of obese individuals. In addition, the number of states reporting that at least 30 percent of its population fit into the obese category has tripled to include nine states. Rising obesity rates have led to increased medical costs and other public issues, but the automotive industry has felt the added weight as well.
According to the study, an estimated one billion gallons of extra fuel were used up to compensate for the added weight of drivers and passengers from 1960 to 2002. If you look at it another way, 0.7 percent of all the fuel burned in vehicles from 1960 to 2002 has been attributable to passengers who have packed on a few extra pounds. Or, how about this one: 39 million gallons of fuel are burned for each pound gained by the average American. While these numbers will probably make an eco-conscious driver think twice next time they're in line at a fast food joint, it seems unlikely that the majority Americans will slim down for the simple sake of saving fuel.
[Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Consumer Reports, Green Car Reports | Image: Tobyotter - C.C. License 2.0]Overweight and Overfueled - CDC says fat America uses more gas originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a new report on obesity in the U.S. According to the study, the U.S. witnessed a 1.1 percent increase in the number of self-reported people with obesity between 2007 and 2009. The increase amounts to 2.4 million additional Americans admitting that they have joined the category of obese individuals. In addition, the number of states reporting that at least 30 percent of its population fit into the obese category has tripled to include nine states. Rising obesity rates have led to increased medical costs and other public issues, but the automotive industry has felt the added weight as well.
According to the study, an estimated one billion gallons of extra fuel were used up to compensate for the added weight of drivers and passengers from 1960 to 2002. If you look at it another way, 0.7 percent of all the fuel burned in vehicles from 1960 to 2002 has been attributable to passengers who have packed on a few extra pounds. Or, how about this one: 39 million gallons of fuel are burned for each pound gained by the average American. While these numbers will probably make an eco-conscious driver think twice next time they're in line at a fast food joint, it seems unlikely that the majority Americans will slim down for the simple sake of saving fuel.
[Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Consumer Reports, Green Car Reports | Image: Tobyotter - C.C. License 2.0]Overweight and Overfueled - CDC says fat America uses more gas originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
After a visit to Fisker HQ, Jim Motavalli frustrated by lack of information
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Fisker
We were hoping our friend Jim Motavalli had dug up a gem when he wrote at BNET that Fisker Automotive would be providing "test cars to journalists as early as October." We tried to get confirmation, but Fisker spokesman Russel Datz crushed our hopes by saying, "We haven't announced anything." Still, these drives will need to come soon, especially if Fisker wants to hit the sales targets Datz gave Motavalli during his visit to Fisker HQ in Irvine, CA.
Those targets are: 2011 sales of the Karma plug-in hybrid: 14,000-15,000 units 2013 sales of the Karma: 15,000 units 2013 sales of the upcoming Nina PHEV: 100,000 units Number of Fisker models on sale in 2016: SixWe know Fisker has missed deadlines before, but Datz told Motavalli that, "Everything is going great." Motavalli writes:
I asked Datz to tell me something he hadn't told anyone else, but his mission remains to keep the press at bay until the curtain is raised. Datz has told me that the company feels it has one shot at first impressions, and it doesn't want to blow it with a half-baked car. I understand that, but the schedule now ensures a cliffhanger - we get to see the car just before it goes on sale.
[Source: BNET]After a visit to Fisker HQ, Jim Motavalli frustrated by lack of information originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
We were hoping our friend Jim Motavalli had dug up a gem when he wrote at BNET that Fisker Automotive would be providing "test cars to journalists as early as October." We tried to get confirmation, but Fisker spokesman Russel Datz crushed our hopes by saying, "We haven't announced anything." Still, these drives will need to come soon, especially if Fisker wants to hit the sales targets Datz gave Motavalli during his visit to Fisker HQ in Irvine, CA.
Those targets are: 2011 sales of the Karma plug-in hybrid: 14,000-15,000 units 2013 sales of the Karma: 15,000 units 2013 sales of the upcoming Nina PHEV: 100,000 units Number of Fisker models on sale in 2016: SixWe know Fisker has missed deadlines before, but Datz told Motavalli that, "Everything is going great." Motavalli writes:
I asked Datz to tell me something he hadn't told anyone else, but his mission remains to keep the press at bay until the curtain is raised. Datz has told me that the company feels it has one shot at first impressions, and it doesn't want to blow it with a half-baked car. I understand that, but the schedule now ensures a cliffhanger - we get to see the car just before it goes on sale.
Gallery: Fisker Karma
[Source: BNET]After a visit to Fisker HQ, Jim Motavalli frustrated by lack of information originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
Lear to produce chargers, parts for Chevy Volt
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chevrolet, GMLear Corporation is a company best known for supplying vehicle interior systems, particularly seats. However, like many other major automotive suppliers, Lear has seen an opportunity in vehicle electrification and is branching out into new product areas.
For Lear, that means charging systems and its first customer is General Motors and the Chevrolet Volt. Lear is providing the on-board charger for the Volt as well as the 240-volt, wall-mounted chargers that GM recommends for Volt buyers. In addition to the chargers, Lear is also supplying some of the low-voltage wiring and the main battery disconnect.
Like the design of the car itself, GM tried some new things when it sourced suppliers for the Volt. Traditionally, where the main systems of a vehicle are known quantities, automakers go to suppliers with specifications and a request for quote. Because so much of the Volt was new, GM opted to work with its suppliers earlier on in the process to determine what was needed and develop specifications together.
[Source: Detroit Free Press]Lear to produce chargers, parts for Chevy Volt originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
For Lear, that means charging systems and its first customer is General Motors and the Chevrolet Volt. Lear is providing the on-board charger for the Volt as well as the 240-volt, wall-mounted chargers that GM recommends for Volt buyers. In addition to the chargers, Lear is also supplying some of the low-voltage wiring and the main battery disconnect.
Like the design of the car itself, GM tried some new things when it sourced suppliers for the Volt. Traditionally, where the main systems of a vehicle are known quantities, automakers go to suppliers with specifications and a request for quote. Because so much of the Volt was new, GM opted to work with its suppliers earlier on in the process to determine what was needed and develop specifications together.
[Source: Detroit Free Press]Lear to produce chargers, parts for Chevy Volt originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
Paris 2010 preview: Kia adding fizz with all-electric Pop Concept
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Kia, Paris Motor ShowKia Pop Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
When the Paris Motor Show opens up next month, Kia will roll out a new battery-powered commuter concept.
Thus far, Kia has only released a few details about its door-stop-shaped Pop Concept, including its sub-10-foot length and its three-seat layout. Interestingly, Kia has gone with a bench seat layout, with the driver on the left rather than a central driver layout like the Gordon Murray-designed T.25 uses. For a tiny car like this, it would seem like putting the driver in the middle would be more space efficient, allowing the driver to be shifted forward between the front wheels for better legroom. Perhaps Kia is going for a more traditional motoring experience, or they may have some other spacial tricks up their sleeves.
Either way, it's too early to tell if the Pop electric vehicle concept is a precursor to Kia's future styling, but this is certainly a different look. Check out the images in our high-res gallery below and visit the jump for the Korean automaker's official - and very short - press release.
[Source: Kia]
When the Paris Motor Show opens up next month, Kia will roll out a new battery-powered commuter concept.
Thus far, Kia has only released a few details about its door-stop-shaped Pop Concept, including its sub-10-foot length and its three-seat layout. Interestingly, Kia has gone with a bench seat layout, with the driver on the left rather than a central driver layout like the Gordon Murray-designed T.25 uses. For a tiny car like this, it would seem like putting the driver in the middle would be more space efficient, allowing the driver to be shifted forward between the front wheels for better legroom. Perhaps Kia is going for a more traditional motoring experience, or they may have some other spacial tricks up their sleeves.
Either way, it's too early to tell if the Pop electric vehicle concept is a precursor to Kia's future styling, but this is certainly a different look. Check out the images in our high-res gallery below and visit the jump for the Korean automaker's official - and very short - press release.
Gallery: Paris 2010: Kia Pop concept
[Source: Kia]
Continue reading Paris 2010 preview: Kia adding fizz with all-electric Pop Concept
Paris 2010 preview: Kia adding fizz with all-electric Pop Concept originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>General Motors, SAIC to jointly develop small engine and dual clutch transmission
Filed under: MPG, GMGeneral Motors has reached an agreement with one of its primary Chinese partners, Shanghai Automotive Industries Corp. (SAIC), on the joint development of powertrains for small vehicles.
GM and SAIC will develop and produce a family of four-cylinder engines ranging from 1.0- to 1.5-liters with direct injection and turbocharging. The GTDI engines should cut fuel consumption by around 20 percent compared to similarly-sized engines with equivalent output.
The engine will be used in GM and SAIC vehicles in China and around the world. Along with the new engine, the partners will also develop a small dual-clutch transmission that should provide a 10 percent boost in efficiency over current six-speed torque converter automatics. Work on the engine and transmission will occur at GM's powertrain engineering center in Pontiac, MI and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center in Shanghai.
GM has yet to announced when the new powertrains will debut in production, but mid-2011 is a safe bet.
[Source: General Motors]
GM and SAIC will develop and produce a family of four-cylinder engines ranging from 1.0- to 1.5-liters with direct injection and turbocharging. The GTDI engines should cut fuel consumption by around 20 percent compared to similarly-sized engines with equivalent output.
The engine will be used in GM and SAIC vehicles in China and around the world. Along with the new engine, the partners will also develop a small dual-clutch transmission that should provide a 10 percent boost in efficiency over current six-speed torque converter automatics. Work on the engine and transmission will occur at GM's powertrain engineering center in Pontiac, MI and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center in Shanghai.
GM has yet to announced when the new powertrains will debut in production, but mid-2011 is a safe bet.
[Source: General Motors]
Continue reading General Motors, SAIC to jointly develop small engine and dual clutch transmission
General Motors, SAIC to jointly develop small engine and dual clutch transmission originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>American ignorance of efficiency numbers might be the biggest hurdle to cleaner cars
Filed under: MPG, Green Daily, USA
Math isn't appreciated enough in our society. As a big fan of the "I'm an English Major, You do the math" shirt, I'll admit I'm part of the problem. We can all agree, though, that it's hugely important to "get" basic mathematical concepts, especially when it comes to understanding energy efficiency (like miles per gallon). Trouble is, too many Americans don't have this knowledge.
This is the finding of a new study called "Public perceptions of energy consumption and savings" published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study's authors say that people underestimate the energy saving potential of big changes - like driving a more efficient car - and overestimate the impact of little things like turning off lights. One slightly surprising finding: respondents with "stronger proenvironmental attitudes" understood energy savings better than others.
From the study's opening summary:
In a national online survey, 505 participants reported their perceptions of energy consumption and savings for a variety of household, transportation, and recycling activities. When asked for the most effective strategy they could implement to conserve energy, most participants mentioned curtailment (e.g., turning off lights, driving less) rather than efficiency improvements (e.g., installing more efficient light bulbs and appliances), in contrast to experts' recommendations. For a sample of 15 activities, participants underestimated energy use and savings by a factor of 2.8 on average, with small overestimates for low-energy activities and large underestimates for high-energy activities. Additional estimation and ranking tasks also yielded relatively flat functions for perceived energy use and savings. Across several tasks, participants with higher numeracy scores and stronger proenvironmental attitudes had more accurate perceptions. The serious deficiencies highlighted by these results suggest that well-designed efforts to improve the public's understanding of energy use and savings could pay large dividends.Oh, can anyone help us understand the chart above? Our math skill aren't up to it (j/k)
[Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences via Earth Institute and Green Car Congress]
Math isn't appreciated enough in our society. As a big fan of the "I'm an English Major, You do the math" shirt, I'll admit I'm part of the problem. We can all agree, though, that it's hugely important to "get" basic mathematical concepts, especially when it comes to understanding energy efficiency (like miles per gallon). Trouble is, too many Americans don't have this knowledge.
This is the finding of a new study called "Public perceptions of energy consumption and savings" published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study's authors say that people underestimate the energy saving potential of big changes - like driving a more efficient car - and overestimate the impact of little things like turning off lights. One slightly surprising finding: respondents with "stronger proenvironmental attitudes" understood energy savings better than others. From the study's opening summary:
In a national online survey, 505 participants reported their perceptions of energy consumption and savings for a variety of household, transportation, and recycling activities. When asked for the most effective strategy they could implement to conserve energy, most participants mentioned curtailment (e.g., turning off lights, driving less) rather than efficiency improvements (e.g., installing more efficient light bulbs and appliances), in contrast to experts' recommendations. For a sample of 15 activities, participants underestimated energy use and savings by a factor of 2.8 on average, with small overestimates for low-energy activities and large underestimates for high-energy activities. Additional estimation and ranking tasks also yielded relatively flat functions for perceived energy use and savings. Across several tasks, participants with higher numeracy scores and stronger proenvironmental attitudes had more accurate perceptions. The serious deficiencies highlighted by these results suggest that well-designed efforts to improve the public's understanding of energy use and savings could pay large dividends.Oh, can anyone help us understand the chart above? Our math skill aren't up to it (j/k)
[Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences via Earth Institute and Green Car Congress]
Continue reading American ignorance of efficiency numbers might be the biggest hurdle to cleaner cars
American ignorance of efficiency numbers might be the biggest hurdle to cleaner cars originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Telsa 10-Q filing reveals that Roadster/Model S range could drop 30% under new EPA methods
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla MotorsTesla Roadster 2.5 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Now that Tesla Motors is a publicly traded company, it actually has to put out more than smiley-faced, feel-good press releases. The Securities and Exchange Commission, despite its flaws (anyone remember Bernie Madoff and Enron?), requires public companies to file a document known as a 10-Q every three months that outlines its finances and the both the positive and negative risks it faces. In the 10-Q filed by Tesla last Friday, there are a number of items that interested observers might want to take note of.
Ever since the debut of the Roadster in 2006, much has been made of its 220+ mile per-charge driving range. Of course, that range was based on fairly gentle driving on the EPA test cycles which don't really exercise the Roadster's capabilities. In its latest filing Tesla acknowledges that the new testing procedures being developed by the EPA are likely to cut the advertised range of the Roadster and Model S by 30 percent.
Another of the numerous potential pitfalls is sales, or lack of them. As of June 30, 2010 Tesla had delivered about 1,200 Roadsters and had outstanding orders for another 130 even though they are now available in 26 countries. Sales peaked at 324 units in the third quarter of 2009 as Tesla worked to fulfill all the orders taken before production started. Tesla is not expecting Roadster sales to pick up very much:
We do not expect to have a significant wait list of orders for our Tesla Roadster in the future, and we may not be able to maintain or increase our vehicle sales revenue in future quarters. As for the Model S, Tesla has 2,600 orders but acknowledges that some could be canceled if it faces production delays. At this point, there is only one running prototype for a car that is supposed to be in production in less than two years. There is also a lot of incomplete design and engineering work, not to mention the manufacturing issues that Tesla is still far from having worked out. Check out the full filing here with most of the juicy stuff being in "Part II, Other Information."
[Source: Securities and Exchange Commission]Telsa 10-Q filing reveals that Roadster/Model S range could drop 30% under new EPA methods originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
Now that Tesla Motors is a publicly traded company, it actually has to put out more than smiley-faced, feel-good press releases. The Securities and Exchange Commission, despite its flaws (anyone remember Bernie Madoff and Enron?), requires public companies to file a document known as a 10-Q every three months that outlines its finances and the both the positive and negative risks it faces. In the 10-Q filed by Tesla last Friday, there are a number of items that interested observers might want to take note of.
Ever since the debut of the Roadster in 2006, much has been made of its 220+ mile per-charge driving range. Of course, that range was based on fairly gentle driving on the EPA test cycles which don't really exercise the Roadster's capabilities. In its latest filing Tesla acknowledges that the new testing procedures being developed by the EPA are likely to cut the advertised range of the Roadster and Model S by 30 percent.
Another of the numerous potential pitfalls is sales, or lack of them. As of June 30, 2010 Tesla had delivered about 1,200 Roadsters and had outstanding orders for another 130 even though they are now available in 26 countries. Sales peaked at 324 units in the third quarter of 2009 as Tesla worked to fulfill all the orders taken before production started. Tesla is not expecting Roadster sales to pick up very much:
We do not expect to have a significant wait list of orders for our Tesla Roadster in the future, and we may not be able to maintain or increase our vehicle sales revenue in future quarters. As for the Model S, Tesla has 2,600 orders but acknowledges that some could be canceled if it faces production delays. At this point, there is only one running prototype for a car that is supposed to be in production in less than two years. There is also a lot of incomplete design and engineering work, not to mention the manufacturing issues that Tesla is still far from having worked out. Check out the full filing here with most of the juicy stuff being in "Part II, Other Information."
Gallery: 2011 Tesla Roadster 2.5
[Source: Securities and Exchange Commission]Telsa 10-Q filing reveals that Roadster/Model S range could drop 30% under new EPA methods originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>
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