Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ford says Sync is now in 4 million vehicles, takes a moment to talk up Focus Electric]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/26/ford-sync-in-4-million-vehicles/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/26/ford-sync-in-4-million-vehicles/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/26/ford-sync-in-4-million-vehicles/#comments Ford says Sync is now in 4 million vehicles, takes a moment to talk up Focus Electric

Since its debut in 2007, Ford and Microsoft's Sync infotainment system has made its way into several of the auto maker's models, including the 2012 Focus Electric. At this week's Future in Review tech conference, Ford announced that more than 4 million vehicles in the US have its entertainment platform on board. In addition to dropping that stat, the company talked up its new EV, which it says can charge in half the time it takes for the Nissan Leaf. Maybe Ford caught wind of Nissan's just-announced e-NV200 all-electric van and wanted to remind those in the market for an EV that a blue box isn't the only option.

Continue reading Ford says Sync is now in 4 million vehicles, takes a moment to talk up Focus Electric

Ford says Sync is now in 4 million vehicles, takes a moment to talk up Focus Electric originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 May 2012 01:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Electric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesEVevsfordford focus electricford microsoftford microsoft syncford syncFordFocusElectricFordMicrosoftFordMicrosoftSyncFordSyncFuture in Review conferenceFutureInReviewConferenceinfotainmentinfotainment systeminfotainment systemsInfotainmentSystemInfotainmentSystemsminipostnissan e-nv200Nissan LeafNissan LEAF EVNissanE-nv200NissanLeafNissanLeafEvsyncSat, 26 May 2012 01:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan announces e-NV200 all-electric van, production slated for 2013]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/nissan-e-nv200-all-electric-van/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/nissan-e-nv200-all-electric-van/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/nissan-e-nv200-all-electric-van/#comments Nissan announces e-NV200 all-electric van, production slated for 2013

So, Chrysler's electric postal van never really took off -- perhaps a few too many mailmen refused to give up those roomy Grumman LLVs -- but now Nissan is giving the electric van concept a go. Yesterday the company announced the e-NV200 compact van (previously teased as a concept), which will go into production in 2013. The van will be Nissan's second all-electric vehicle, following the 2010 Leaf. The e-NV200's design is quite similar to that of the NV200 van, but it swaps taxi-cab yellow for the Leaf's shade of robin's egg blue. Nissan says it's putting $126 million into producing the new model, but so far it's keeping mum on other details. Head past the break for the full press release

Continue reading Nissan announces e-NV200 all-electric van, production slated for 2013

Nissan announces e-NV200 all-electric van, production slated for 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 22:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcarschryslerchrysler evChryslerEve-nv200electric automobileelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricAutomobileElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesEVevsgreen transportationGreenTransportationnissannissan e-nv200Nissan Leafnissan leaf electricNissan LEAF EVnissan nv200Nissan NV200 ConceptNissanE-nv200NissanLeafNissanLeafElectricNissanLeafEvNissanNv200NissanNv200ConceptVanVansThu, 24 May 2012 22:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan adopts 15 EV chargers, is first on nappy duty (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/nissan-free-ev-chargers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/nissan-free-ev-chargers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/nissan-free-ev-chargers/#comments Image

Nissan's concerned that Leaf owners aren't getting around enough. So, until IBM's super-batteries arrive or Exxon starts installing charging points in its gas stations, the car maker's got to do it itself. In partnership with charity Adopt-A-Charger, it's paying for 15 charging points in California, three at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and twelve at the Music Concourse in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Customers will have totally free access, with Nissan pledging to pay for the upkeep and electricity that the public uses. After the break we've got a video whose narrator probably makes Chris Hansen jealous of his voice.

Continue reading Nissan adopts 15 EV chargers, is first on nappy duty (video)

Nissan adopts 15 EV chargers, is first on nappy duty (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adopt a ChargerAdoptAChargerChargingEVEV ChargingEV RangeEvChargingEvRangeGolden Gate ParkGoldenGateParkLeafLos AngelesLos Angeles County Museum of ArtLosAngelesLosAngelesCountyMuseumOfArtMusic ConcourseMusicConcourseNissanNissan EV ChargingNissan LeafNissanEvChargingNissanLeafRange AnxietyRangeAnxietysan franciscoSanFranciscovideoFri, 20 Apr 2012 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault's Twizzy EV for 16 year-olds comes too late for Justin to skip the DMV queue]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/twizzy-ev/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/twizzy-ev/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/twizzy-ev/#comments Image
Renault's planning to take advantage of a change in the law that'll enable 16-year-olds to drive vehicles on the roads without a license by releasing the Twizzy EV. The futuristic golf-cart will have a top speed of 28mph and give budding Dominic Torettos the chance to drag-race each other in mall car parks every night. Unfortunately, environmentally-friendly road-raging will come at a price, with the Twizzy expected to retail at £6,200 ($9,940) and teenage insurance premiums being a further £4,000 ($6,400). At the same event, the company's Andy Heiron mentioned that the high cost of (sister-company's) Nissan Leaf was responsible for the sluggish sales in Blighty, and that Nissan is considering letting buyers rent their EV batteries in order to lower the initial cost of their enviro-whip to more manageable levels. Otherwise, it won't just be the kids fighting over who gets to do that extra paper-route.

Renault's Twizzy EV for 16 year-olds comes too late for Justin to skip the DMV queue originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013EVEVsLight VehicleLight Vehicle UKLightVehicleLightVehicleUkNissanNissan LeafNissanLeafRenaultRenault TwizzyRenaultTwizzyTwizzyMon, 02 Apr 2012 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf to get minor range boost, prove Moore's Law doesn't apply to EVs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/nissan-leaf-upgrade-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/nissan-leaf-upgrade-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/nissan-leaf-upgrade-2013/#comments ImageFifteen months and 10,000 American sales later, Nissan is preparing a 2013 overhaul of its Leaf EV. What green and fresh bounties can we expect? Leather seats, a "darker" interior and more efficient heater, which could let the EV go up to 20-25 miles further in cold-weather conditions. Sounds minor to our comfortably warm ears, and there's no specific mention of inductive charging (depicted above) either. On the other hand, the 2012 model already hiked up prices and Nissan probably has to stick closely to the current $35,000 bracket or risk being run down by another all-electric, all-emotional hatchback that's also due next year.

Nissan Leaf to get minor range boost, prove Moore's Law doesn't apply to EVs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013carefficiencyelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleenvironmentalevgreenleafleatherleather seatsLeatherSeatsnissannissan leafNissanLeafrangetransporttransportationupgradevehicleWed, 21 Mar 2012 11:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Focus gets EPA rating: 105 MPGe, 76-mile range]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/ford-focus-gets-epa-rating-105-mpge-76-mile-range/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/ford-focus-gets-epa-rating-105-mpge-76-mile-range/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/ford-focus-gets-epa-rating-105-mpge-76-mile-range/#comments
The EPA has finished its usual gauntlet of tests and has found that this year's Ford Focus Electric is the most efficient five-seater in America. The agency certified that it gets 105 miles to the electric equivalent to the gallon (divided between 110MPGe in the city and 99MPGe on the highway), which is better than Ford's own claim of just 100MPGe. The company's found cause to celebrate the milestone and throw a few jabs at its closest rival, the Nissan Leaf. In fact, you could say that the House that Henry built has a bit of a complex about the leafy EV -- in the press release we've got for you after the break, it mentions the rival vehicle no less than nine times.

Continue reading Ford Focus gets EPA rating: 105 MPGe, 76-mile range

Ford Focus gets EPA rating: 105 MPGe, 76-mile range originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Electric CarElectric VehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEnvironmental Protection AgencyEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyEPAEVEV EfficiencyEV RangeEvEfficiencyEvRangeEVsFordFord Focus ElectricFordFocusElectricMiles Per Gallon EquivalentMilesPerGallonEquivalentMPGeNissanNissan LeafNissanLeafRange AnxietyRangeAnxietyRatingFri, 02 Mar 2012 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Green Charge: an app that helps your EV talk to you (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/green-charge-an-app-that-helps-your-ev-talk-to-you-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/green-charge-an-app-that-helps-your-ev-talk-to-you-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/green-charge-an-app-that-helps-your-ev-talk-to-you-video/#comments Green Charge: an app that helps your EV talk to you (video)
The maker of PlugShare is determined to satisfy your EV needs with a new app that'll feed the data from your Leaf or Volt straight to your iOS device. GreenCharge monitors your battery data, charging speed, efficiency of recent journeys and environmental impact and keeps it to hand in handy graphical form. You can chart your price-per-mile (compared to using petrol) and monitor your environmental impact -- sending all this data to your friends over Facebook or Twitter. If you're considering dropping some cash on an EV but don't trust the salesman, sync it up to a demonstration vehicle and it'll give you the deep dish without any fluff. You'll be able to pick it up from the App store today for $10 (equal to three days gas, but then you did just save $1,000 on your new Volt) and if you're not convinced, we've got a cornucopia of treats to whet your appetite after the break.

Continue reading Green Charge: an app that helps your EV talk to you (video)

Green Charge: an app that helps your EV talk to you (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevy VoltChevyVoltElectric CarElectric VehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEVEVsForrest NorthForrestNorthGreenChargeiOSiPadiPhoneiPod TouchIpodTouchNissan LeafNissanLeafvideoXatoriTue, 31 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt sees best sales yet in December, Nissan Leaf still outpaces it for the year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/chevy-volt-nissan-leaf-sales-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/chevy-volt-nissan-leaf-sales-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/chevy-volt-nissan-leaf-sales-2011/#comments
It looks like GM had some good news and some bad news for the Chevy Volt to end 2011 with. As Autoblog Green reports, the plug-in vehicle saw its best ever month in December with 1,529 cars sold, bringing its total sales for the year to 7,671. That still wasn't enough to pull ahead of the Leaf electric vehicle in sales for the year, however, as Nissan managed to move a total of 9,674 units despite falling a bit short in December with just 954 cars sold. Both of those numbers are off the automakers' targets for their respective vehicles, though, with Nissan just a bit short of its 10,000-unit goal, and GM well off its original aim of 10,000-12,000 units sold. Unfortunately for GM, 2012 got off to a start with a few new headaches for the Volt.

Chevy Volt sees best sales yet in December, Nissan Leaf still outpaces it for the year originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevychevy voltChevyVoltelectric vehicleElectricVehiclegmleafnissannissan leafNissanLeafplug-inplug-in vehiclePlug-inVehiclevoltThu, 05 Jan 2012 19:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: 5 megawatt solar roof, driverless electric cars and ten of the world's craziest Christmas trees]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/11/inhabitats-week-in-green-5-megawatt-solar-roof-driverless-ele/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/11/inhabitats-week-in-green-5-megawatt-solar-roof-driverless-ele/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/11/inhabitats-week-in-green-5-megawatt-solar-roof-driverless-ele/#comments Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.
Solar-powered buildings heated up this week as Inhabitat reported that Apple will crown its new Cupertino headquarters with a 5 megawatt solar roof, and we took a peek inside a sun-powered prefab pod home set in the Italian Alps. We also showcased several fresh examples of wintry architecture this week as we brought you six amazing buildings made from ice and snow and we learned that BIG's waste-to-energy ski slope incinerator was scrapped due to environmental concerns. We also showcased an innovative shelf for interiors made from movable pins, a set of awesome night lights made from retrofitted vintage cameras, and since the holidays are on the way we shared a kit that will help you make your own geodesic gingerbread house!

Speaking of the holiday season, this week we rounded up the world's 10 craziest Christmas trees made from recycled objects, and we brought you photos of a massive luminous Xmas tree in Lithuania made from 40,000 plastic bottles. We also brought you a guide for making your own DIY terrarium Christmas ornaments, and if you're looking for cool techy gifts to stick beneath the tree you won't want to miss Theo Jansen's 3d-printed miniature Strandbeest wind walking robots and this fun wooden iPhone toy for tots.

In other news, eco transportation blasted off to the future as Zapata Racing unveiled a set of insane water-propelled rocket boots that will send you soaring like a superhero and Audi and BIG unveiled plans for a network of driverless electric cars and luminous high-tech roadways. We were also excited to announce that the Nissan Leaf was named Japan's Car of the Year at the Tokyo Motor Show, we saw Daimler unveil plans for a new E-Cell hybrid with inductive charging, and Smart shared a sneak peek of their upcoming "For-US" compact electric pickup truck.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: 5 megawatt solar roof, driverless electric cars and ten of the world's craziest Christmas trees originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleAudiBIGDIYE-Cellelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehiclegreeninhabitatinhabitat.comNissanNissan leafNissanLeafrecycledsolar powerSolarPowersun-poweredthis week in greenThisWeekInGreenTokyo Motor showTokyoMotorShowSun, 11 Dec 2011 20:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf branches out to an additional six states, plus one Island]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/nissan-leaf-branches-out-to-an-additional-six-states-plus-one-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/nissan-leaf-branches-out-to-an-additional-six-states-plus-one-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/nissan-leaf-branches-out-to-an-additional-six-states-plus-one-i/#comments
The Nissan Leaf is inching closer to national ubiquity, with the addition of seven new markets across the continental US. In a statement issued yesterday, the manufacturer announced that its EV will soon be available within Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island, with the first deliveries scheduled to roll out in Spring 2012. This expansion, which comes nearly one year after the Leaf's grand debut, means that the plug-in is now available in a full 30 US states (including Washington, DC), though Nissan hopes to bring it to the full 50 by March of next year. Rustle past the break for the full PR.

Continue reading Nissan Leaf branches out to an additional six states, plus one Island

Nissan Leaf branches out to an additional six states, plus one Island originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autocarcarsdeliveryelectricelectric carElectricCarEVgreenindustrymanufacturingmarketmoneynissannissan leafNissanLeafplug inPlugInstatestransporttransportationUSWed, 07 Dec 2011 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf to get inductive charging, lose its stem in 2013 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/nissan-leaf-to-get-inductive-charging-lose-its-stem-in-2013-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/nissan-leaf-to-get-inductive-charging-lose-its-stem-in-2013-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/nissan-leaf-to-get-inductive-charging-lose-its-stem-in-2013-vi/#comments Nissan has big plans for the still-budding Leaf. The Japanese automaker lit up its impressive Leaf-powered Smart House at the Tokyo Motor Show last week, but also demoed its wireless charging solution for a much smaller crowd at the company's Oppama factory. The device uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power between a charging pad and a receiver on the bottom of the car, with an efficiency level between 80 and 90 percent -- simply park your EV directly above the system to begin charging, and monitor progress on the ground transmission unit's control panel. The pad is expected to become available as soon as 2013, but will only be compatible with new vehicles, so you won't be able to use it with an older Leaf, unfortunately. There's a silent demo video waiting for you just past the break.

Continue reading Nissan Leaf to get inductive charging, lose its stem in 2013 (video)

Nissan Leaf to get inductive charging, lose its stem in 2013 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcarschargingelectricelectric vehicleelectricityElectricVehicleevinductioninductiveinductive charginginductive powerInductiveChargingInductivePowerleafnissannissan carnissan carsnissan evnissan leafNissanCarNissanCarsNissanEvNissanLeafpowervehiclevehiclesvideowirelesswireless chargingwireless powerWirelessChargingWirelessPowerMon, 05 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan demonstrates Leaf-powered Smart House, we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/nissan-demonstrates-leaf-powered-smart-house-we-go-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/nissan-demonstrates-leaf-powered-smart-house-we-go-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/nissan-demonstrates-leaf-powered-smart-house-we-go-hands-on/#comments Back in August, Nissan shared its vision of making its Leaf EV a secondary power source for houses, be it for emergency power outage or for powering lodges in the countryside. Here at the Tokyo Motor Show, we got to see a Smart House that demonstrates just that. To supply the electricity from the Leaf, Nissan uses a power control system box that can supply up to 6kW of power -- plenty of juice for this structure, which consumes about 1 to 2kW for its lights, fan, TV, clock, mini fridge and air conditioner. As for battery life, a Leaf can keep a typical Japanese household powered for about two days, and customers can pick up this power control system in around end of March next year (the retail version will be about half the size of the one pictured). Nissan also said potentially the Smart House can supply excess electricity back to the grid, though this isn't yet possible in Japan due to the lack of such service, which is understandable given the natural disasters earlier this year.

Additionally, it turns out that the Smart House can also power itself during sunny days using its solar panels on the top, and any remaining electricity is used to charge up the Leaf; so effectively the car is acting as a mobile battery for the house. But what if it's cloudy and the Leaf is out and about? Well, the fuel cells inside the Smart House's belly will keep your party going, so there's really nothing to worry about as long as you keep an eye on your propane level. Head past the break to watch Nissan's Shinsuke Suzuki switch the house off and on for us.

Gallery: Nissan Leaf Smart House hands-on

Continue reading Nissan demonstrates Leaf-powered Smart House, we go hands-on

Nissan demonstrates Leaf-powered Smart House, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleElectricVehicleevfeaturedfeatureshands-onleafnissanNissan LeafNissanLeafpcspower control systemPowerControlSystemShinsuke SuzukiShinsukeSuzukismart houseSmartHousetokyo motor showtokyo motor show 2011TokyoMotorShowTokyoMotorShow2011videoThu, 01 Dec 2011 11:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford begins taking reservations for the Focus Electric, pricing starts at $39,200]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/ford-begins-taking-reservations-for-the-focus-electric-pricing/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/ford-begins-taking-reservations-for-the-focus-electric-pricing/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/ford-begins-taking-reservations-for-the-focus-electric-pricing/#comments
We caught our first glimpse of the Ford Focus Electric way back at CES and now, about 11 months later, it's finally hit the market. The manufacturer's long-awaited EV popped up for pre-order on its website yesterday, bearing a base price tag of $39,200. Add in an extra $795 in destination charges and subtract a hefty federal tax credit, and you're looking at a final sticker of about $32,495. As our friends over at Autoblog Green point out, that's about $3,945 higher than what the Nissan Leaf will cost you (pre-incentives), though your final bill could also hinge upon whether you opt for the Blue Candy or White Platinum paint jobs ($395 and $495, respectively), or those leather-trimmed seats, which would set you back an extra $995. According to Ford, a "limited number" of Focus Electrics will be made available in select California and New York markets, though the car should make its way to an extra 15 markets by next year, once production gets ramped up. You can reserve one for yourself at the source link below, or just purr past the break for the full PR treatment.

Continue reading Ford begins taking reservations for the Focus Electric, pricing starts at $39,200

Ford begins taking reservations for the Focus Electric, pricing starts at $39,200 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>availabilitycarcreditelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEVfederal tax creditFederalTaxCreditfocus electricFocusElectricfordford focus electricFordFocusElectricgreenincentiveslaunchmanufacturingminipostmoneynissan leafNissanLeafplug inPlugInpriceproductionvehicleThu, 03 Nov 2011 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf EVs to join NYC taxis, won't make hailing a cab in Manhattan any easier]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/31/nissan-leaf-evs-to-join-nyc-taxis-wont-make-hailing-a-cab-in-m/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/31/nissan-leaf-evs-to-join-nyc-taxis-wont-make-hailing-a-cab-in-m/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/31/nissan-leaf-evs-to-join-nyc-taxis-wont-make-hailing-a-cab-in-m/#comments
We've come a long way since Crown Vics crowded the streets of the Big Apple, opting instead for a fleet of hybrid taxis -- but today the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission is taking its green approach one step further with the introduction of six electric Nissan Leaf cabs. Starting next spring, the electric cars will join the procession of mustard-colored whips as part of the Electric Taxi Pilot Program. The new additions are part of Bloomberg's plans for an all electric cab system by 2012. It's unsure yet whether the five-door electrics will have a distance or duty limitation and exactly what type of charging stations will be used. Curious cabbies can check out the source to find out how to sign up. Now, if we could only flag one down...

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Nissan Leaf EVs to join NYC taxis, won't make hailing a cab in Manhattan any easier originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloombergcabcabselectric carElectric Taxi Pilot ProgramElectricCarElectricTaxiPilotProgramEVNew York CityNew York City Taxi Limousine CommissionNewYorkCityNewYorkCityTaxiLimousineCommissionNissanNissan leafnissan leaf EVNissanLeafNissanLeafEvNYCtaxitaxisMon, 31 Oct 2011 17:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan's new charging technology will juice your EV in ten minutes, ten years from now]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/11/nissans-new-charging-technology-will-juice-your-ev-in-ten-minut/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/11/nissans-new-charging-technology-will-juice-your-ev-in-ten-minut/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/11/nissans-new-charging-technology-will-juice-your-ev-in-ten-minut/#comments
Nearly a month after unveiling its revamped quick charger, Nissan has now announced that it's working on new technology that would make EV charging... well, quicker. A lot quicker. Developed alongside researchers from Japan's Kansai University, the manufacturer's approach would allow drivers to fully charge their plug-ins in just ten minutes, without taking any toll on a lithium-ion battery's storage or voltage. Nissan says it could achieve this by tinkering with a charger's capacitor -- more specifically, by replacing its carbon electrode with one based on a composite of tungsten oxide and vanadium oxide. Industry insiders, however, say this technology may not reach the commercial level for another ten years -- substantially longer than ten minutes.

Nissan's new charging technology will juice your EV in ten minutes, ten years from now originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10 minutes10Minutesbatterycapacitorcarchargerchargingcharging stationChargingStationelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEVEV chargerEvChargergreenjapanKansai UniversityKansaiUniversityLithium Ionlithium ion batteryLithiumIonLithiumIonBatterynissannissan leafNissanLeaftransportTue, 11 Oct 2011 09:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan downsizes EV quick charger, slashes price while eying US, EU and Japanese markets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/nissan-downsizes-ev-quick-charger-slashes-price-while-eying-us/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/nissan-downsizes-ev-quick-charger-slashes-price-while-eying-us/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/nissan-downsizes-ev-quick-charger-slashes-price-while-eying-us/#comments Like a hamburger Happy Meal, Nissan's brand new quick-charge station is fast, cheap and easy, thanks to its tasty new electric circuit technology. Nissan claims the 49kW charger takes up less space, is easier to install and a heckuva lot cheaper than former models, leaving only a ¥1 million yen (or around $10,000) dent in your pocket compared to the former ¥1.47 million (or $19,088) crater. Hoping to sell around 5,000 units and set up charging stations throughout the Land of the Rising Sun by March 2016, Nissan sees the technology rolling out in the US and Europe sometime in the near future -- no toy included. Pull over for the full PR after the break.

Continue reading Nissan downsizes EV quick charger, slashes price while eying US, EU and Japanese markets

Nissan downsizes EV quick charger, slashes price while eying US, EU and Japanese markets originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 21:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>49kW 3- AC200VCHAdeMOchademo standardChademoStandardchargerchargingelectric vehicleelectric vehicle chargerelectric vehicle chargingelectric vehiclesElectricVehicleElectricVehicleChargerElectricVehicleChargingElectricVehiclesEVEV chargerEV chargingEvChargerEvChargingJapanNissanNissan Leafnissan leaf electricNissan LEAF EVNissanLeafNissanLeafElectricNissanLeafEvQuick Chargequick chargerquick chargersQuickChargeQuickChargerQuickChargersTue, 13 Sep 2011 21:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Daimler Smart Forvision: a solar-powered roof with plastic wheels never looked so good]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/02/daimler-smart-forvision-a-solar-powered-roof-with-plastic-wheel/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/02/daimler-smart-forvision-a-solar-powered-roof-with-plastic-wheel/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/02/daimler-smart-forvision-a-solar-powered-roof-with-plastic-wheel/#comments
No, it's not a Micro Machine -- it's the Daimler Smart Forvision. Daimler paired up with chemicals giant BASF to improve Smart's flagship EV after being soundly trounced by the Nissan Leaf's longer range. With an emphasis on efficiency, the Forvision goes up to 20 percent further than the standard Fortwo. It has a transparent solar-panel roof which generates power to keep the cooling fans running even when stationary, see-through dashboard and clear OLEDs for internal lighting at night. BASF's wizardry helped in the development of all-plastic wheels, a super-thin heat shield and aluminum fiber paints that insulate the car but allow for GPS, WiFi and Bluetooth signals to pass through unimpeded. The concept will be unveiled properly at the Frankfurt Motor Show but check out the preview gallery and press release to learn more.

Gallery: Smart Forvision

Smart Forvision

Continue reading Daimler Smart Forvision: a solar-powered roof with plastic wheels never looked so good

Daimler Smart Forvision: a solar-powered roof with plastic wheels never looked so good originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DaimlerDaimler SmartDaimlerSmartElectric CarElectric VehiclesElectricCarElectricVehiclesEVFrankfurt Motor ShowFrankfurt Motor Show 2011FrankfurtMotorShowFrankfurtMotorShow2011Nissan LeafNissanLeafSmartSmart ForvisionSmart FourTwoSmartForvisionSmartFourtwoFri, 02 Sep 2011 15:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf mod offers more accurate battery status, less streamlined interior]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/30/nissan-leaf-mod-offers-more-accurate-battery-status/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/30/nissan-leaf-mod-offers-more-accurate-battery-status/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/30/nissan-leaf-mod-offers-more-accurate-battery-status/#comments
Car mods come in many forms -- including, even, a piece of cardboard with some switches and an LED display. The car being modded in this case is the Nissan Leaf, and the mod in question (still in its temporary form here, thankfully) is a simple but important one. It's a homebrew device that plugs into the Leaf's OBD-II diagnostics port and displays the battery's exact state of charge, as opposed to the somewhat less specific bars that are displayed on the main dashboard display. Absolutely necessary? Not exactly, but the mod seems to be catching on with a growing contingent of DIY-minded Leaf forum members. Hit the source link below for a few more examples and some additional details for building your own.

[Image credit: mwalsh / My Nissan Leaf Forum]

Nissan Leaf mod offers more accurate battery status, less streamlined interior originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteryelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevleafmodnissannissan leafNissanLeafsocstate of chargeStateOfChargeTue, 30 Aug 2011 20:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Nichicon lays claim to the world's smallest EV chargers with NGQ-202, NGQ-203 models]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/28/nichicon-lays-claim-to-the-worlds-smallest-ev-chargers-with-ngq/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/28/nichicon-lays-claim-to-the-worlds-smallest-ev-chargers-with-ngq/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/28/nichicon-lays-claim-to-the-worlds-smallest-ev-chargers-with-ngq/#comments Although it'll still be hard to misplace in your pile of electronics, a company called Nichicon has launched what it says is the world's smallest chargers for electric vehicles, the NGQ-A202 and the NGQ-A302. By using what the company calls advanced module technology, it was able to shrink its EV charger down by 50 percent to around 59 x 13.8 x 23.6 inches, also reducing the weight by up to 66 percent. Compatible with the ChAdeMO standard, these 20-30kW chargers will work with electric vehicles like Mitsubishi's i-MiEV and the Nissan Leaf, taking between 35 and 60 minutes to fully power your whip. Charging doesn't come cheap, however, as the batteries are said to retail between $24,600 and $27,000 when they launch sometime in October. Next step -- cutting the cord and going wireless, perhaps? Check out the full PR after the break.

Continue reading Nichicon lays claim to the world's smallest EV chargers with NGQ-202, NGQ-203 models

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Nichicon lays claim to the world's smallest EV chargers with NGQ-202, NGQ-203 models originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Aug 2011 06:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteriesbatterychademochademo standardChademoStandardelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesEVmistubishi i-mievNGQ-A202NGQ-A203nichiconNissan Leafnissan leaf evNissanLeafNissanLeafEvSun, 28 Aug 2011 06:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan's Leaf rollout speeds up in Chicago this fall]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/nissans-leaf-rollout-speeds-up-in-chicago-this-fall/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/nissans-leaf-rollout-speeds-up-in-chicago-this-fall/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/nissans-leaf-rollout-speeds-up-in-chicago-this-fall/#comments Oprah may have left town and packed up her "You get a car!" philanthropic ways, but that's not stopping Nissan from injecting the windy city with a little auto excitement. Responding to an overwhelming customer demand for its all-electric Leaf vehicles, the Japanese car maker is accelerating the line's rollout to Chicago residents, with the first models to be available this fall. The launch will be bolstered by a planned 280 EV charging stations, funded in part by a pledged $1 million from the state and an additional $1 million grant. If you're living in the second city to our north and haven't yet hitched your ride to the electric hatchback caravan, now might be the time.

Continue reading Nissan's Leaf rollout speeds up in Chicago this fall

Nissan's Leaf rollout speeds up in Chicago this fall originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 20:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagoElectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEVillinoisminipostNissanNissan Leafnissan leaf electricNissan LEAF EVNissanLeafNissanLeafElectricNissanLeafEvFri, 26 Aug 2011 20:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan's Android app lets you charge your Leaf from afar, puts the 'ease' in EV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/05/nissans-android-app-lets-you-charge-your-leaf-from-afar-puts-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/05/nissans-android-app-lets-you-charge-your-leaf-from-afar-puts-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/05/nissans-android-app-lets-you-charge-your-leaf-from-afar-puts-t/#comments
If you happen to be both a Nissan Leaf owner and an Android user, you're in luck today, because the automaker has just released an official app that could make your life a little easier. With Nissan's tool, you'll be able to monitor your electric vehicle's battery life and estimated driving range directly from your smartphone, which you can also use to remotely charge your Leaf, or start its air conditioning. It may not be the most groundbreaking app ever, but it definitely offers some welcomed convenience to Nissan's growing base of EV drivers. Yesterday, the company confirmed to Autoblog Green that Leaf sales "crossed the 10,000 mark a couple weeks ago." Exact figures are hard to come by, due to Japan's summer holiday, but Nissan says it's 100 percent certain that the milestone was crossed. Next up: world domination.

Nissan's Android app lets you charge your Leaf from afar, puts the 'ease' in EV originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid marketAndroidMarketappbatterychargerchargingElectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEVgreennissannissan leafNissan LEAF EVnissan leaf salesNissanLeafNissanLeafEvNissanLeafSalessalessmartphoneFri, 05 Aug 2011 09:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan's 'Leaf to Home' system sends power back to your house or the grid]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/nissans-leaf-to-home-system-sends-power-back-to-your-house-or/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/nissans-leaf-to-home-system-sends-power-back-to-your-house-or/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/nissans-leaf-to-home-system-sends-power-back-to-your-house-or/#comments The Nissan Leaf may look like a car, but it turns out it will soon also be an emergency power generator on wheels. The automaker just took the wraps off its new "Leaf to Home" system in Japan this week, which promises to let you send power stored in the car back to your house in the case of an outage, or even back to the grid (letting you charge the car during off-peak hours and profiting when demand is high, for instance). Of course, that also requires more than your basic charging station (this one ties directly into your home's electricity distribution panel), and it's not quite ready for consumer use just yet -- Nissan expects it to be available in Japan by April of next year.

Nissan's 'Leaf to Home' system sends power back to your house or the grid originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleelectricyevgridleafleaf to homeLeafToHomenissannissan leafNissanLeafpowersmart gridSmartGridWed, 03 Aug 2011 16:34:00 EST<![CDATA[SolarCity gets in the EV charging game, we're still waiting for our Leaf]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/solarcity-gets-in-the-ev-charging-game-were-still-waiting-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/solarcity-gets-in-the-ev-charging-game-were-still-waiting-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/solarcity-gets-in-the-ev-charging-game-were-still-waiting-for/#comments Tired of trekking down the 101, just to charge your damn Tesla? Must be rough, but at least SolarCity's looking out for ya, as it'll soon install ClipperCreek's EV chargers in your digs, right alongside the company's residential solar equipment. The $1,500 SAE-J1772 compatible juicers will work with almost any plug-in vehicle we can think of -- including the Volt, Leaf, Prius plug-in, Focus BEV, iMiev and aforementioned Roadster (provided you'll spring for an adapter) -- and being of the Level II ilk, top-up your automobile 5x faster than a 120V plug. Pair that with a solar panel lease, and you'll apparently cut charging costs in-half -- according to SolarCity, anyway. We can't vouch for that, but if it doesn't work you could always try to install something just a tad bigger.

Continue reading SolarCity gets in the EV charging game, we're still waiting for our Leaf

SolarCity gets in the EV charging game, we're still waiting for our Leaf originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargingchevy voltChevyVoltClipperCreekelectricelectric chargerElectric vehicleElectricChargerElectricVehicleeletric vehicle chargerEletricVehicleChargerEVEV chargerev charging stationEvChargerEvChargingStationfocusfocus bevfocus electricFocusBevFocusElectricford focusford focus electricFordFocusFordFocusElectriciMievleaflevel 2 chargerlevel 2 charging stationLevel2ChargerLevel2ChargingStationMitsubishi iMievMitsubishiImievnissan leafNissanLeafSolarCitySolarCity EV chargerSolarcityEvChargerteslatesla roadsterTeslaRoadstervoltWed, 27 Jul 2011 21:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan expands Leaf's US availability, makes seat warmers standard]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/nissan-expands-leafs-us-availibility-makes-seat-warmers-standa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/nissan-expands-leafs-us-availibility-makes-seat-warmers-standa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/nissan-expands-leafs-us-availibility-makes-seat-warmers-standa/#comments

Hey Leaf owners -- that's right, all 4,000 of you -- it looks like Nissan took your complaints feedback to heart and is making a few standard additions its EV auto line. Prospective owners of the yet-to-be delivered 2012 models can look forward to the inclusion of a DC fast charge port that'll have your roadster 80 percent juiced in under 30 minutes and some cold weather features -- like heated seats and a battery warmer. The Japanese carmaker also announced plans to expand availability of the auto to Illinois and parts of the southeastern US, and will open reservations to the general public once existing orders are fulfilled. So that's the good, now are you ready for the bad? These electric hatchbacks are getting a new, higher MSRP that takes the SV trim level model to $35,200 and the SL to $37,250. It's an entirely reasonable price to pay for warm buns and, hey, you're saving the planet.

Continue reading Nissan expands Leaf's US availability, makes seat warmers standard

Nissan expands Leaf's US availability, makes seat warmers standard originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcarselectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevleafnissannissan leafNissanLeafThu, 21 Jul 2011 00:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan plant in Smyrna, Tennessee to start Leaf production by late 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/nissan-plant-in-smyrna-tennessee-to-start-leaf-production-by-la/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/nissan-plant-in-smyrna-tennessee-to-start-leaf-production-by-la/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/nissan-plant-in-smyrna-tennessee-to-start-leaf-production-by-la/#comments Nissan plant in Smyrna to start Leaf production by late 2012
No worries Nissan EV fans, more Leaves are on the way -- that's according to Bill Kreuger, the head honcho of Nissan's manufacturing and supply chain division. Kreuger tells Automotive News, the catastrophic earthquake in Japan that shut down several large plants was just a small speedbump in the release of the flagship electric vehicle. Nissan North America has been preparing a 1.6 billion dollar production complex in Smyrna, Tennessee, to begin rolling out EVs in the masses by late 2012. The plan is to have the plant assemble about 200,000 battery modules and as many as 150,000 Leafs each year, and we're guessing it'll have quite an easy go finding names for each and every one.

Nissan plant in Smyrna, Tennessee to start Leaf production by late 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 22:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20122013AutoblogAutoblog GreenAutoblogGreenautomotiveAutomotive NewsAutomotiveNewsBillBill KreugerBillKreugerelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleElectronic vehicleElectronicVehicleevgreenKreugerlaunchleafLEAF EVLeafEvnissanNissan LeafNissanLeafproductionSmyrnasmyrna tennesseeSmyrnaTennesseetenesseeTenneseeWed, 13 Jul 2011 22:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaf sales outpacing the Volt, winning the fight for American garage space]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/leaf-sales-outpacing-the-volt-winning-the-fight-for-american-ga/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/leaf-sales-outpacing-the-volt-winning-the-fight-for-american-ga/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/leaf-sales-outpacing-the-volt-winning-the-fight-for-american-ga/#comments Leaf Vs. Volt According to Automobile, Nissan is winning the race to put the most electric cars in American driveways, selling 3,875 Leafs in the first six months of 2011, while Chevy only managed to put 2,754 Volt keys in the hands of consumers. This is despite Nissan suffering a month long manufacturing setback following the tsunami that struck in March. Chevy has had its own delays, having closed the Volt plant five weeks ago for upgrades that will allow it to pump out more vehicles. Lets not forget though, the Leaf starts at about $8,000 less than its American made competitor and, when it comes to weaning us off gas and putting us behind the wheel of tech-packed cars -- there's no shame in being number two. Perhaps GM will have better luck with that cheaper, shorter range version it's been contemplating.

Leaf sales outpacing the Volt, winning the fight for American garage space originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011carcarschevroletchevychevy voltChevyVoltdataelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevfebruaryfiguresgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhybridleafnissannissan leafNissanLeafnumbersparallel hybridParallelHybridphevsalesseries hybridSeriesHybridstatsusus salesUsSalesvoltThu, 07 Jul 2011 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't tell us where you're going, Nissan Leaf driver, we already know (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/dont-tell-us-where-youre-going-nissan-leaf-driver-we-already/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/dont-tell-us-where-youre-going-nissan-leaf-driver-we-already/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/dont-tell-us-where-youre-going-nissan-leaf-driver-we-already/#comments That cute little bugger above certainly looks innocent enough, but it might have been spreading some pretty detailed gossip behind your back. Leaf-driver Casey Halverson was playing around with the RSS reader in his Carwings system when he discovered that it wasn't just collecting feeds from RSS servers, it was also telling those servers his car's current location, speed, heading and even the destination he'd set in the sat nav. Strangely, Halverson's undercover tattletale appears to have halted its indiscretions after he posted the discovery on his blog, but we're surmising there's still hundreds of server logs up and down the country that prove it really happened, not to mention his video after the break. Cue Rockwell, fade to black.

Continue reading Don't tell us where you're going, Nissan Leaf driver, we already know (video)

Don't tell us where you're going, Nissan Leaf driver, we already know (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carwingsdatadata protectionDataProtectionelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevleaflocationlocation datalocation-awarelocation-basedLocationDatanissannissan leafNissanLeafprivacyRSSrss feedrss feedsrss readerRssFeedRssFeedsRssReaderservervideoThu, 16 Jun 2011 14:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Smug alert: Google says it has largest corporate EV charging network in the US (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/smug-alert-google-says-it-has-largest-ev-charging-network-in-th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/smug-alert-google-says-it-has-largest-ev-charging-network-in-th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/smug-alert-google-says-it-has-largest-ev-charging-network-in-th/#comments
Things are just getting greener and greener over at Google. Yesterday, the company triumphantly declared that its Mountain View campus now boasts the largest corporate EV charging network in the US, with some 200 chargers currently in place, plus an extra 250 that are on the way. It's all part of El Goog's RechargeIt sustainability initiative, launched in 2007, which has also given rise to the Gfleet -- a set of company-owned plug-ins made available for employees. Now that Google has purchased some extra Chevy Volts and Nissan Leafs, this Gfleet will eventually expand to include a total of 30 EVs, which explains the expansion of its ChargePoint Network. The ultimate goal is to have charging stations at five percent of Mountain View's parking spaces, all of which will be searchable on Google Maps, and available for employees to use for free. The company hopes this initiative will encourage more people to purchase EVs, and estimates that it'll eventually save a total of 5,400 tonnes of CO2 per year -- the equivalent to removing about 2,000 cars from the road. Head past the break for a video on the program, or hit up the source link if you'd like to help Google pat itself on the back.

Continue reading Smug alert: Google says it has largest corporate EV charging network in the US (video)

Smug alert: Google says it has largest corporate EV charging network in the US (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 07:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autocampuscarchargepointchargepoint networkChargepointNetworkchargerchargingcharging stationChargingStationchevy voltChevyVoltCO2corporateelectric vehicleElectricVehicleemissionsemployeeenvironmentEnvironmentallyFriendlyEVev infrastructureEvInfrastructureexpansiongfleetgooglegoogle campusGoogleCampusgreeninitiativemountain viewMountainViewnissan leafNissanLeafrechargeitvideoFri, 10 Jun 2011 07:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla Roadster 2.5 gets 119 MPGe rating from EPA, still as expensive as ever (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/26/tesla-roadster-2-5-gets-119-mpge-rating-from-epa-still-as-expen/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/26/tesla-roadster-2-5-gets-119-mpge-rating-from-epa-still-as-expen/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/26/tesla-roadster-2-5-gets-119-mpge-rating-from-epa-still-as-expen/#comments
Move over, Nissan, because there's a new MPGe king in town. Yesterday, the EPA anointed Tesla scored its Roadster 2.5 with an MPGe rating of 119, which would make it the most fuel-efficient car on the market. That places the plug-in ahead of both the Nissan Leaf (99 MPGe) and Chevy Volt (93 MPGe). According to the government-approved mock-up window sticker, Tesla's EV can last for up to 245 miles on a single, eight-hour charge, while getting the equivalent of 112 miles per gallon on the highway and 124 in the city. The original Roadster, meanwhile, received an MPGe score of 111 yesterday, with ratings of 105 on the open road and 116 in the city. Both models scored a perfect 10 for their greenhouse gas and smog emissions, though those ratings probably didn't factor in all the cash you'd have to burn to actually buy one.

Update: We just heard from the EPA, which clarified that this is not their official rating for the Roadster 2.5. These numbers are Tesla's, and the window sticker itself is a mockup - not a legitimate sticker from the EPA. Still, if you'd like to see it, it's down after the break.

Continue reading Tesla Roadster 2.5 gets 119 MPGe rating from EPA, still as expensive as ever (updated)

Tesla Roadster 2.5 gets 119 MPGe rating from EPA, still as expensive as ever (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 May 2011 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery electric vehiclebattery lifeBatteryElectricVehicleBatteryLifecarchevy voltChevyVoltElectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleemissionsenvironmental protection agencyEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyepaepa ratingEpaRatingevfuel economyfuel efficiencyFuelEconomyFuelEfficiencygreenhousegreenhouse gasGreenhouseGasmiles per gallonmiles per gallon equivalentMilesPerGallonMilesPerGallonEquivalentmpgeNissan LeafNissanLeafratingroadsterroadster 2.5Roadster2.5smogTeslatesla roadstertesla roadster 2.5TeslaRoadsterTeslaRoadster2.5Thu, 26 May 2011 14:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan NV200 van named NYC's 'Taxi of Tomorrow,' Travis Bickle cringes (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/nissan-nv200-van-named-nycs-taxi-of-tomorrow-travis-bickle-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/nissan-nv200-van-named-nycs-taxi-of-tomorrow-travis-bickle-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/nissan-nv200-van-named-nycs-taxi-of-tomorrow-travis-bickle-c/#comments New Yorkers, this is your "Taxi of Tomorrow." After two years of deliberation, Nissan's NV200 was chosen as the city's exclusive taxi yesterday, edging out models from Ford Motor Co. and Turkish manufacturer Karsan. The four-passenger van is slated to hit New York's streets in late 2013, after which it will be gradually phased in on a more widespread basis. With a manufacturer suggested retail price of around $29,000, the commodious NV200 boasts a 2.0L 4-cylinder powertrain, transparent roof panel, driver navigation system, overhead reading lights and a mobile charging unit, replete with a 12V outlet and two USB ports. Nissan also placed an emphasis on passenger and pedestrian safety, with front and rear-seat curtain airbags, standard traction control and an external lighting system designed to alert others when the NV200's doors are opening. The van's microbial seat fabric should help assuage the fears of many germophobes, while its "low-annoyance" horn promises to put a (probably miniscule) dent in the city's noise pollution. Mayor Bloomberg definitely won't realize his all-hybrid dreams by 2012, but Nissan has agreed to participate in a forthcoming EV pilot program, involving up to six of the company's electric LEAFs. Until then, New Yorkers will have plenty of time to get used to the city's new soccer mom approach to taxi transport. Cruise past the break for full PR and video.

Continue reading Nissan NV200 van named NYC's 'Taxi of Tomorrow,' Travis Bickle cringes (video)

Nissan NV200 van named NYC's 'Taxi of Tomorrow,' Travis Bickle cringes (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 May 2011 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airbagautobloombergcarchargerDrivingelectric vehicleElectricVehicleEVleafmayor bloombergMayorBloombergnavigationNavigationSystemnew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCitynissanNissan Leafnissan nv200NissanLeafNissanNv200NYCpowertrainpublic transportationPublicTransportationtaxiusbvideoWed, 04 May 2011 15:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford makes list of the 25 most EV-friendly cities, still likes selling cars to residents elsewhere]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/22/ford-makes-list-of-the-25-most-ev-friendly-cities-still-likes-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/22/ford-makes-list-of-the-25-most-ev-friendly-cities-still-likes-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/22/ford-makes-list-of-the-25-most-ev-friendly-cities-still-likes-s/#commentsSo, you saw a Volt, Leaf, or Focus Electric and were convinced to go green, but are unsure whether your local municipality is as eco-friendly as you are. Well, Ford has done your homework for you (without even demanding your lunch money in return), and identified the "25 Most Electric Vehicle-Ready Cities" in the US. What makes a metropolis worthy of such status in the eyes of the Blue Oval boys? A utilities structure that allows off-peak charging, for starters, plus reduced red tape for getting your EV permits and inspections, incentives for offsetting up-front customer costs, urban plans for charging infrastructure, and EV-friendly city advisory committees. If your town's lacking in those areas, perhaps it's time to give your city council a ring -- part of being an eco-warrior is political activism, right? PR's after the break.

Continue reading Ford makes list of the 25 most EV-friendly cities, still likes selling cars to residents elsewhere

Ford makes list of the 25 most EV-friendly cities, still likes selling cars to residents elsewhere originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargingchevy voltChevyVoltecoeco-friendlyelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevev chargerev chargingEvChargerEvChargingfordford focus electricFordFocusElectricgreenleafnissan leafNissanLeafplug-inplug-in vehiclePlug-inVehiclevoltFri, 22 Apr 2011 20:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan recovering from quake, ramps up Leaf deliveries]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/nissan-recovering-from-quake-ramps-up-leaf-deliveries/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/nissan-recovering-from-quake-ramps-up-leaf-deliveries/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/nissan-recovering-from-quake-ramps-up-leaf-deliveries/#commentsNissan Lead production line
 We have some good news from the Land of the Rising Sun -- a fresh batch of Leafs are on their way to American shores. At the New York Auto show, Nissan announced that the first shipments of post earthquake-produced EVs should be in the hands of American consumers by April 27th. The company still expects to fulfill current orders by the end of summer and on May 1st will begin accepting new reservations for vehicles in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. Buyers in the southeastern US will be able to join the plug-in parade this fall, to be followed by a nationwide launch in 2012. Now that the auto manufacturing plants are getting back to business as usual following the tsunami that ravaged Japan, we can only hope the rest of the country isn't too far behind. PR after the break.

Continue reading Nissan recovering from quake, ramps up Leaf deliveries

Nissan recovering from quake, ramps up Leaf deliveries originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>availabilitycarcarsdeliveryelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEVfactoriesjapanleafmanufaturingnew york auto showNewYorkAutoShownissanNissan LeafNissan LEAF EVNissanLeafNissanLeafEvroadmapscheduleThu, 21 Apr 2011 11:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf Nismo RC swaps basic comforts for a carbon fiber body and some racing good looks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/nissan-leaf-nismo-rc-swaps-basic-comforts-for-a-carbon-fiber-bod/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/nissan-leaf-nismo-rc-swaps-basic-comforts-for-a-carbon-fiber-bod/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/nissan-leaf-nismo-rc-swaps-basic-comforts-for-a-carbon-fiber-bod/#comments Electric vehicles may have that instant torque thing going for them, but they're still a bit behind when it comes to giving heart palpitations to those diehard petrolheads. Hoping to change that perception, Nissan is setting up to unveil a brand new concept vehicle, dubbed the Leaf Nismo RC (that stands for Racing Competition, not "radio-controlled"), which strips the one-size-fits-all Leaf down to its constituent elements. The drivetrain is still 100 percent electric, however it's now powering the rear wheels instead of the front, while things like the rear seats, trunk, audio system, carpeting, and navigation have been completely removed. A carbon fiber chassis helps the Nismo RC keep weight down to 2,068 pounds (938kg), equivalent to just 60 percent of the original Leaf's heft. Yes, the Leaf is now lighter! In performance terms, you're looking at a car that can hit 62mph within 6.85 seconds, max out the speedometer at 93mph, and last a terrifying 20 minutes under racing conditions. This prototype vehicle will debut at the upcoming New York Auto Show and will thereafter help Nissan research better aerodynamics and, presumably, slightly better energy efficiency.

Continue reading Nissan Leaf Nismo RC swaps basic comforts for a carbon fiber body and some racing good looks

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC swaps basic comforts for a carbon fiber body and some racing good looks originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto showAutoShowcarcarbon fiberCarbonFiberconceptconcept carConceptCarelectricelectric carelectric racingelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricRacingElectricVehicleelectring racing carElectringRacingCarevleafnew yorknew york auto showNewYorkNewYorkAutoShownismonismo rcNismoRcnissannissan leafNissanLeafprototyperacingracing carRacingCarMon, 18 Apr 2011 07:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Hertz launches hourly EV rentals in London, self-satisfaction comes free]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/15/hertz-launches-hourly-ev-rentals-in-london-self-satisfaction-co/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/15/hertz-launches-hourly-ev-rentals-in-london-self-satisfaction-co/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/15/hertz-launches-hourly-ev-rentals-in-london-self-satisfaction-co/#commentsConnect by Hertz Contract-free cellphones, declining marriage rates and car-sharing services all tell us you're a bunch of commitmentphobes. Lucky for you the world is willing to oblige your wishy-washy ways, and for those who also happen to have a bit of a green streak, Connect by Hertz offers hourly rentals on electric cars. After launching its EV rental program here in New York last year, Hertz promised to expand to several other cities and countries by the end of 2011, with London being the next to go online this Friday. British urbanites averse to car ownership will be able to pick from a fleet of vehicles including the iMieV, Nissan LEAF and Renault Kangoo, range anxiety diminished thanks to the city's 16 charging stations. It's not exactly the Jetsons, but if this is the future of transportation, we're ok with that -- we're thinking Mother Earth is too.

Hertz launches hourly EV rentals in London, self-satisfaction comes free originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcar rentalcar sharingCarRentalCarSharingconnectconnect by hertzConnectByHertzelectricelectric carelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesevgreenhertzimievkangarooleaflondonnissannissan leafNissanLeafplug inplug-inPlugInrenaultRenault KangooRenaultKangoorentalrentalstransportationFri, 15 Apr 2011 01:01:00 EST<![CDATA[NRG's eVgo charging stations hope to catch the eyes of Texas]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/09/nrgs-evgo-charging-stations-hope-to-catch-the-eyes-of-texas/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/09/nrgs-evgo-charging-stations-hope-to-catch-the-eyes-of-texas/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/09/nrgs-evgo-charging-stations-hope-to-catch-the-eyes-of-texas/#comments EV charging station announcements are almost becoming commonplace (keyword: almost), but not so much that we aren't happy to welcome one more. This week NRG Energy unveiled it's first eVgo branded "Freedom Station" at a Dallas Walgreens, and aims to pepper the map with a total of 60 such units by Labor Day. Each eVgo freedom station will pack both a quick charging 480V AC/DC converter (juicing up a Nissan Leaf to 80 percent in about 30 minutes), as well as a 240V Level 2 charger (netting 25 miles of "go" per charging hour). NRG plans to cover the Dallas / Fort Worth and Houston areas with 120 of these guys by the end of 2012. Like others before it, the eVgo network plans to follow a subscription model -- with the premiere plan ($89 a month on a three year contract) not only covering the cost of usage at eVgo charging stations, but that of electricity used at your home charging dock, too. Toss in a handful of generous EV owners rocking PlugShare, and Dallas has the makings of a low-emissions wonderland.

NRG's eVgo charging stations hope to catch the eyes of Texas originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dallasdallas fort worthdallas texasdallas-fort-worthDallasFortWorthDallasTexaselectric vehicleElectricVehicleEVevgoFreedom StationFreedomStationgas guzzlergas guzzlersGasGuzzlerGasGuzzlershoustonHouston TexasHoustonTexasNissan LeafNissanLeafNRGNRG EnergyNrgEnergywalgreensSat, 09 Apr 2011 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaf deliveries delayed by Japanese quake, but Nissan and Sony already reopening factories]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/leaf-deliveries-delayed-by-japanese-quake-but-nissan-and-sony-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/leaf-deliveries-delayed-by-japanese-quake-but-nissan-and-sony-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/leaf-deliveries-delayed-by-japanese-quake-but-nissan-and-sony-a/#comments Not the jolliest of news if you were waiting on a fresh new Leaf EV to blow in any time soon, as Nissan has had to understandably delay shipments as a result of the natural disaster that has befallen Japan. Updates on when customers might expect their orders to be completed will be forthcoming as soon as available. There are happier developments on the isle of Japan itself, however, where Nissan is resuming limited operations at five plants today and expects to be producing vehicles again by Thursday, which will last as long as supplies do. Sony has also shaken off some of the effects of the recent earthquake and says it'll restart production of lithium-ion batteries at its Tochigi prefecture plant tomorrow. So, encouraging signs ahead for Japan's industry, let's hope everyone else's recovery proves to be as swift.

Leaf deliveries delayed by Japanese quake, but Nissan and Sony already reopening factories originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cardelaydelaysdeliveryelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevfactoriesfactoryfalloutjapanleafmanufacturingnissannissan leafNissanLeafproductionreopensonytsunamiMon, 21 Mar 2011 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Range anxiety gets real: Nissan Leaf drivers run out of juice on the road]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/range-anxiety-gets-real-nissan-leaf-drivers-run-out-of-juice-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/range-anxiety-gets-real-nissan-leaf-drivers-run-out-of-juice-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/range-anxiety-gets-real-nissan-leaf-drivers-run-out-of-juice-on/#comments Fears of range anxiety have loomed over EVs since their inception, and those fears were validated courtesy of a couple unfortunate souls whose Nissan Leafs apparently died on them while driving. The drivers put their faith in the Leaf's remaining range calculation, and were sorely disappointed when the car's dash said they had enough juice to go 10+ miles, but the batteries had other ideas. Turns out, the Leaf needs some time to get to know you and your lead foot before it can accurately determine the bounds of its own range. Nissan sent engineers out to check the cars and found no technical faults -- but one driver reckons the cold sapped some of the batteries' power (a theory that Mini E drivers would disagree with) and the car's software didn't factor that in when making its range estimates. Who's to blame? We suspect that while there was some user error, Nissan should rework the Leaf's software to improve range calculation -- else we may be talking about the death of EVs instead of internal combustion.

Range anxiety gets real: Nissan Leaf drivers run out of juice on the road originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 02:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery lifeBatteryLifecoldecoeco careco friendlyEcoCarEcoFriendlyelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevleafnissannissan leafNissanLeafphevrange anxietyRangeAnxietysustainabilityWed, 16 Mar 2011 02:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan to give Leaf faster charger in 2012: home charging goes from glacial to a snail's pace?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/09/nissan-to-give-leaf-faster-charger-in-2012-home-charging-goes-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/09/nissan-to-give-leaf-faster-charger-in-2012-home-charging-goes-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/09/nissan-to-give-leaf-faster-charger-in-2012-home-charging-goes-f/#comments Though well on its way to joining the Dodo, one of the internal combustion engine's advantages over its plug-in competition is refuel time -- it only takes a few minutes to gas up, but you're talking hours for an EV to top off its batteries via a standard 220 / 240-volt socket. This fact is not lost on Nissan, as it just revealed plans to offer a higher-rate charger in its 2012 Leaf -- the current model's 3.3kW charger needs eight hours to power up -- in order to better compete with the Ford Focus Electric's three to four hour charge time courtesy of its 6.6kW unit. And all you early adopters won't be "orphaned," as 2011 model Leafs can be retrofitted with the new electrics -- no word if Daddy Warbucks will be footing the bill.

Nissan to give Leaf faster charger in 2012: home charging goes from glacial to a snail's pace? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 04:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecoeco careco-friendlyEcoCarelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevfocus electricFocusElectricfordleafnissanNissan LeafNissanLeafphevQuick ChargeQuickChargeWed, 09 Mar 2011 04:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf delayed in UK, backup warning signal to blame]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/nissan-leaf-delayed-in-uk-backup-warning-signal-to-blame/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/nissan-leaf-delayed-in-uk-backup-warning-signal-to-blame/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/nissan-leaf-delayed-in-uk-backup-warning-signal-to-blame/#commentsNissan delievers 190 Leaf EVs to rental companies in Japan, pre-orderers still get none Surprise of all wonders, the Nissan Leaf has suffered another delay, but this time there's at least an amusing anecdote to quote while you wait. You see, The Northern Echo quotes a Nissan spokeswoman as saying that the Leaf's backup warning signal emits a loud beep, but UK law requires that such sounds be disabled between the hours of 11PM and 6AM. "The audible system on the Leaf did not allow for that to be done, so the beeping sound is being removed entirely before the cars can be driven on roads in this country," Nissan said, which will result in a "slight delay" in shipping the cars from the company's Japanese plant. Amusingly, US law actually requires electric cars to make noise these days.

Nissan Leaf delayed in UK, backup warning signal to blame originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backup signalBackupSignaldelaydelayedLeafNissanNissan LeafNissanLeafnoisenoise pollutionNoisePollutionpedestrian safetypedestrian warning systemPedestrianSafetyPedestrianWarningSystemsignalsoundUKUnited KingdomUnitedKingdomMon, 07 Mar 2011 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Electric car sales watch: 281 Volts and 67 Leafs sold in US during February]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/06/electric-car-sales-watch-281-volts-and-67-leafs-sold-in-us-duri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/06/electric-car-sales-watch-281-volts-and-67-leafs-sold-in-us-duri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/06/electric-car-sales-watch-281-volts-and-67-leafs-sold-in-us-duri/#comments Neither Chevrolet nor Nissan have felt proud enough of their EV sales numbers to list them on their latest press releases, but our colleagues over at Autoblog Green have dug those numbers up anyhow. They make for dispiriting reading if you're an electric car well-wisher, as the Volt's sales declined from January's tally of 321 to an even less impressive 281, while the Leaf closed February with only 67 US sales, down 20 on last month. Upon seeing their previous numbers, we postulated that both cars are suffering from constrained supply, which is likely still the case, but it feels ironic to us that electric vehicles, whose driving experience offers instant torque, are taking their sweet time to rev up their sales.

Electric car sales watch: 281 Volts and 67 Leafs sold in US during February originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Mar 2011 06:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011carcarschevroletchevychevy voltChevyVoltdataelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevfebruaryfiguresgmleafnissannissan leafNissanLeafnumberssalesstatsusus salesUsSalesvoltSun, 06 Mar 2011 06:47:00 EST