Ev -- Engadget

ev posts

Mavizen's electric bike hits 130 MPH, ships with Linux and WiFi

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Nov 5th 2009 at 1:49PM

Mavizen, the manufacturing arm of the TTXGP (the Time Trials Xtreme Grand Prix -- a race for zero-emissions motorcycles) has just announced the TTX02 at this year's SEMA. A shining example of "EVs as consumer electronics" (the buzz-concept going 'round the electric vehicle scene) this guy is being billed not as a bike, but as a development platform -- shipping not only with a chassis and drivetrain, but with an open source Linux OS, web server, USB-based system bus, and WiFi connectivity. If you're looking to give the gang from Mission Motors a run for their money at the next TTXGP, hit the read link -- about $41,000 will get you in the game. Videos after the break.

[Via Asphalt & Rubber]

Continue reading Mavizen's electric bike hits 130 MPH, ships with Linux and WiFi

Japanese team takes top prize at World Solar Challenge

by Laura June posted Nov 2nd 2009 at 10:51AM

A Japanese team from Tokai University has taken the top spot at the World Solar Challenge, which was held at the end of last week in Australia. The team beat out the Delft University team which won four consecutive previous Challenges, and this year took second place, with the third seat going to the University of Michigan. The race course travels from southern to northern Australia over 3,000 km (about 1864 miles), and the winning team's car, Tokai Challenger, completed the race in just under 30 hours, averaging 62 miles per hour. Other notable participants included the MIT-built Eleanor.

[Via Wired]

Tesla Roadster keeps on rollin', goes 313 miles on single charge

by Vladislav Savov posted Oct 31st 2009 at 3:47AM

What could be a better feeling than beating a world record? Beating your own world record. The Tesla Roadster has put an extra exclamation mark on its world-conquering single-charge antics by raising the bar from 241 miles back in April to an even more impressive 313 this week. As you can see in that homemade "world record" sign above, that's 501 kilometers in metric terms, or pretty much the exact distance between Paris and Amsterdam. The Global Green Challenge in Australia -- where this feat was achieved -- allows only production battery-powered vehicles to compete, meaning that the new record is down to driver skill on the part of one Mr. Simon Hackett, and not some newfound techno mojo. Kinda makes those long recharge times seem like less of a burden, no?

Dell and Envision Solar refashion parking lot into clean energy farm, EV recharge station (video)

by Vladislav Savov posted Oct 26th 2009 at 6:06AM

Dell has added a shiny new feather to its cap today with the announcement of a freshly completed Solar Grove renewable energy installation. The system is composed of 512 solar panels, which provide shelter for 56 cars, and are capable of harvesting 131,000 kWh of energy per year. This power will be primarily used in the adjacent Round Rock HQ, but CleanCharge stations will also be available should you wish to juice up your electric vehicle on Mother Nature's finest. No matter how much Dell might have splashed out to bring this integration together, we can't help but suspect that the smug satisfaction of getting free energy -- both in pecuniary and ecological terms -- must be priceless. Video awaits after the break.

Continue reading Dell and Envision Solar refashion parking lot into clean energy farm, EV recharge station (video)

Honda's timeless Super Cub motorcycle showcased with a touch of EV

by Ross Miller posted Oct 21st 2009 at 8:36PM

The world's best-selling motorcycle of all time (60 million as of May 2008) is dipping its gears into the EV industry. Honda unveiled this week at the Tokyo Auto Show an electric version of its Super Cub motorcycle. Seeing as the gas-based equivalent can already get over 300 miles per gallon, we wonder just how more efficient this new concept could be. Honda reps told Wired it's a concept designed "to be just as functional and convenient" as its brother bike, so if it does reach mass market, we're holding out hope it also maintains that low price point.

Nissan's Land Glider concept car leans like a motorcycle, looks like a squashed GT-R (video)

by Tim Stevens posted Oct 8th 2009 at 9:04AM

Motorcycles are about the most efficient (and fun) way to get around, but people in this country don't seem to care too much -- maybe worried about getting smeared all over the SUV of an eager commuter talking on his cellphone while eating breakfast and shaving. Nissan's Land Glider could offer that fun and that efficiency in what looks to be a slightly safer package. The zero-emissions electric car seats two in-line and is just 3.6-feet wide, utilizing motorcycle tires that dip on one side when turning to enable leans of up to 17 degrees. The Tokyo Motor Show is just a few weeks away, where this interesting concept will be on display -- and surely many others that are even more out there. Check out a video of this one tipping precariously just after the break.

[Via PhysOrg.com]

Continue reading Nissan's Land Glider concept car leans like a motorcycle, looks like a squashed GT-R (video)

Wheego Whip gets pictured, driven around at mind-blowingly slow speeds

by Darren Murph posted Oct 8th 2009 at 7:59AM

Given just how difficult it has been for even Chevrolet to get its all-electric gears going, we kind of wondered if we'd ever hear more about the Wheego Whip after it quietly faded earlier this year. Lo and behold, the low-speed city car has made an appearance at AltCar 2009, and after receiving about 100 orders, it seems the car is all but ready to begin pleasing those who shelled out just under 20 large for the privilege of a pink slip. Our good pals over at Autoblog Green were able to zip around in the car recently and serve up some impressions of the drive, and while it didn't seem to live up to the "Cadillac of neighborhood electric vehicles" claim, it definitely got the job done... at 25 miles per hour. Hit the read link for a gallery of shots and a fresh take on what a whisper quiet, low-speed driving experience is like.

e-WOLF e2 seeks to electrify, succeeds

by Vladislav Savov posted Oct 1st 2009 at 9:29AM

Woah. Looks like the Shelby Aero finally has some competition on its hands in the EV supercar stakes. Weighing in at less than 2,000 pounds, but generating north of 736 foot-pounds of torque, the e2 should be, uh, kinda fast, while claims of a half hour charging time and a 187-mile cruising range are just too stupefying to contemplate. Power is stored in 84 lithium-ion battery packs from CERIO, and unleashed via four 134-horsepower motors -- one for each wheel. If you liked e-WOLF's e1, but thought it needed a dash of spicy Lamborghini-inspired styling and the acceleration to reach 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds, well here's your answer. Production is set for 2011, and you can ogle the car's rear end after the break.

Continue reading e-WOLF e2 seeks to electrify, succeeds

Video: Mantys golf caddy wants to electrify your game

by Vladislav Savov posted Sep 22nd 2009 at 7:59AM

Hmm, an electric vehicle for upright bipeds that is steered by shifting one's weight ... that sure reminds us of something. Where this little putt-putter differs is in having four wheels, which tends to be a comfortingly large number for the sort of folk who can't be bothered to (or just plain can't) walk when golfing. And this is definitely targeted at golfers, with the official announcement set for the Golf Europe fair in Berlin this Sunday. The machine comes with turf-saving tires (whatever those are), 18 kilometers per hour top speed, a range of 36 holes, and holders for scorecards, cups, balls and tees. You'll find another product shot after the break, along with a delightfully cheesy promo video.

Continue reading Video: Mantys golf caddy wants to electrify your game

Nissan's Leaf EV will sound like a Blade Runner spinner, get better mileage

by Vladislav Savov posted Sep 21st 2009 at 9:24AM

One of the major disadvantages of electric vehicles, for petrolheads at least, is the lack of engine noise. How can you be proud of your beastly motor if it doesn't roar? There are mundane considerations like pedestrian safety too, but that's beside the point. Nissan seems to have uncovered an old copy of Blade Runner in its toolshed and decided that, yes, it might be a good idea for the Leaf EV to emit a whooshing sound inspired by the Philip K. Dick adaptation. If implemented, this will raise the car's price somewhat, but wouldn't you pay a premium to have your auto sound like a jet taking off? The Leaf is expected to arrive in the US in 2010, replete with its reputed 367 miles per gallon efficiency.

[Via Autoblog Green]

Continue reading Nissan's Leaf EV will sound like a Blade Runner spinner, get better mileage

Volkswagen L1 concept is crazy efficient, could ship in 2013

by Darren Murph posted Sep 18th 2009 at 5:33AM

Look, it's a well-known fact that the world is ending in either 2012 or when the Large Hadron Collider starts back up (whichever comes first). But, assuming neither of those scenarios actually cause planet Earth to fold in on itself, you should have some pretty swank Volkswagens to choose from in 2013. Just days after hearing that the highly-anticipated E-Up! concept would be landing in around four years, VW is now proclaiming that the L1 concept you see above could also hit production at the same time. What's odd, however, is that the automaker is already calling this the "most fuel-efficient automobile in the world," but at 170MPG, you'd think the suits at Chevy would have a thing or two to say about it. At least in theory, the hybrid TDI vehicle can cruise 100 kilometers on just 1.38 liters of diesel, but we'll wait until the EPA gets a go before buying in completely.

Mission One electric motorcycle surpasses 150 MPH, heading to Snake River Canyon

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Sep 15th 2009 at 10:24AM

It was no idle boast when Mission Motors claimed that its Mission One all-electric motorcycle could reach 150 MPH speeds. In fact, the company's showing in the 2009 BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah has proved all this and more, with the bike hitting single pass speeds as high as 161 MPH, and a two-pass average of 150.059 MPH, setting the Land Speed Record for Electric Motorcycles in the process. And this isn't a vehicle that taunts you, forever unavailable, like Evel Knievel's rocket-powered cycle. No, this is a production prototype featuring the same powertrain that customers can look forward to shelling out close to $70,000 for when it becomes available sometime next year. But don't take our word for it, peep the video for yourself after the break.

[Via AutoBlog]

Continue reading Mission One electric motorcycle surpasses 150 MPH, heading to Snake River Canyon

Toyota moves its two millionth hybrid vehicle, Ma Earth tips her hat

by Darren Murph posted Sep 6th 2009 at 11:13PM

It's incredibly hard to believe that the original Prius went on sale a full dozen years ago, but as the debatable face of the hybrid reaches its third generation, Toyota as a whole is celebrating the sale of its two millionth hybrid. As of August 31st, global sales of the automaker's hybrid fleet has surpassed 2.01 million, and as of now, there are 13 hybrids in the company's lineup. Later this year, Lexus (the outfit's luxury brand) is set to see its fourth hybrid hit the streets, and it's been said that Toyota could have a hybrid version of every motorcar it sells by the end of the next decade. Not like it'll matter -- we'll all be cruising around in Jetson-mobiles or Tesla Roadsters by then, anyway.

Better Place tests its EV battery switching stations on Tokyo cabbies

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Aug 27th 2009 at 12:15PM

Not long after establishing a prototype EV battery switching station in Japan, Better Place is now partnering with Nihon Kotsu, Tokyo's largest taxi operator, to put the thing through its paces, swapping out batteries for up to four electric hacks scheduled to run from the Roppongi Hills shopping and office complex beginning in January next year. In Tokyo, cabs account for only two percent of the traffic, yet they produce twenty-percent of its CO2 emissions -- a fact that further drives home the point that greening our public transportation is an important first step in cleaning up the environment. The study comes hot on the heels of other deals in the works for Israel, Europe, and the San Francisco. Albert Hockenberry would be impressed.

[Via PhysOrg]

Ford's vehicle-to-grid communications system charges plug-in whips on command

by Darren Murph posted Aug 19th 2009 at 2:32PM

If you're dreaming of always plugging your future AC-friendly hybrid in during the wee hours of the morning in order to juice up for the lowest price, you're certainly using your noodle. But what about instances where you can't choose when exactly you'll be plugging in? Fret not, as Bill Ford and Company has you covered. The automaker, in collaboration with a slew of utility partners, has today introduced an intelligent vehicle-to-grid communications system that would theoretically enable vehicle owners to plug their ride in and tell it precisely when to begin and / or end charging via the navigation screen. Users could also define the completion time for charging or the desired rates in order to better control spending, though all that planning could be ruined by some random prankster who decides to yank your cable when you're not looking. And really, who cares about saving a penny or two on charging when you can get two hundred and thirty miles per gallon? Oh, wait...

[Via HotHardware]