Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2011 Chevrolet Volt gets taken for a test drive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/30/2011-chevrolet-volt-gets-taken-for-a-test-drive/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/30/2011-chevrolet-volt-gets-taken-for-a-test-drive/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/30/2011-chevrolet-volt-gets-taken-for-a-test-drive/#comments The Chevy Volt is one vehicle we can really get behind. It's hard not to be a little excited over it -- we have, after all, been watching its development for quite a long time now. The electric car gets an impressive 230 miles per gallon in the city (and, all shaky rating practices aside, that's nothing to scoff at). Autoblog Green's just taken one of Chevy's 80 IVER pre-production prototypes for a little spin, and they seem to have come away pretty impressed with the car. They report that the brakes are better than most hybrid vehicles, and said that when the engine does kick in after the battery's depleted, they didn't even notice it until they stopped and heard it running quietly. It was a short spin, so they weren't able to gauge, for instance, whether the car can actually pull the full 40 miles per battery charge that Chevrolet claims it gets, but check out their full, detailed observations at the Source link.

2011 Chevrolet Volt gets taken for a test drive originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carchevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevyelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevtransportationvehiclevoltMon, 30 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt shows up at fast food joint, practices lines for LA Auto Show]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/30/chevy-volt-shows-up-at-fast-food-joint-practices-lines-for-la-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/30/chevy-volt-shows-up-at-fast-food-joint-practices-lines-for-la-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/30/chevy-volt-shows-up-at-fast-food-joint-practices-lines-for-la-a/#comments You might've seen the Volt make a guest appearance on the futuristic Surrogates movie already, but now Chevy's taking the opposite approach by looking toward the past to promote its PHEV. Bob's Big Boy fast food restaurant in California got treated to a surprise visit by a production model of that most bodacious Chevrolet, and as you can see above, it doesn't look horribly out of place seated in among its elders, a 1969 Camaro and an Impala SS. Joining in the weekly classic car meetup hosted by the restaurant, this appearance was a prelude to the production Volt being shown off at the LA Auto Show, which kicks off this coming Friday. So if you wanna see it, you can either attend the event or wait for the car to roll up at your nearest Wendy's.

Chevy Volt shows up at fast food joint, practices lines for LA Auto Show originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiacarchevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevla auto showLaAutoShowphevvoltMon, 30 Nov 2009 07:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Gear team builds EV, shows how complex car production really is]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/top-gear-team-builds-ev-shows-how-complex-car-production-really/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/top-gear-team-builds-ev-shows-how-complex-car-production-really/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/top-gear-team-builds-ev-shows-how-complex-car-production-really/#comments The presenters of Top Gear, among the finer specimens of British television talent (Dr. Gregory House being another), were this past week engaged in designing and building an electric vehicle purportedly intended to compete with the likes of the Chevy Volt. Set a time limit of a mere 18 hours, they produced the marvel of rushed engineering and shoddy workmanship you see above. The Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust (believe us, you'll have no reason to remember the name) was even put through its paces by Autocar magazine, whose video "review" can be found after the break. We won't spoil the details for you, but if you want a conclusion, this one's pretty unequivocal: "there's a really good chance you could kill yourself" riding in this car.

Continue reading Top Gear team builds EV, shows how complex car production really is

Top Gear team builds EV, shows how complex car production really is originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britishcarchevroletchevy voltChevyVoltelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevfunnyjames mayJamesMayjeremy clarksonJeremyClarksonjokephevplug-inplug-in vehiclePlug-inVehiclerichard hammondRichardHammondtop gearTopGeartvtv showTvShowukvoltThu, 26 Nov 2009 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla Motors IPO coming 'any day' now, says report]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/21/tesla-motors-ipo-coming-any-day-now-says-report/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/21/tesla-motors-ipo-coming-any-day-now-says-report/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/21/tesla-motors-ipo-coming-any-day-now-says-report/#comments Word on the street -- and by that we mean Reuters -- is that Tesla's looking to go public with the company "any day." The luxury electric car make, whose Roadster still goes for a cool $109,000, would be the first US auto company to offer an IPO since Ford way back in 1956, says MSNBC. Quite a notable event, indeed, but earlier comments by Tesla investors (via Autoblog Green) suggest "any day now" might be any time between now and September 2010.

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Tesla Motors IPO coming 'any day' now, says report originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobusinessecelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevinitial public offeringInitialPublicOfferingipopublicpublic offeringPublicOfferingroadstertelsaSat, 21 Nov 2009 07:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Mavizen's electric bike hits 130 MPH, ships with Linux and WiFi]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/mavizens-electric-bike-hits-130-mph-ships-with-linux-and-wifi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/mavizens-electric-bike-hits-130-mph-ships-with-linux-and-wifi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/mavizens-electric-bike-hits-130-mph-ships-with-linux-and-wifi/#comments
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.

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

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Mavizen's electric bike hits 130 MPH, ships with Linux and WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electricelectric motorcycleelectric vehicleElectricMotorcycleElectricVehicleevgreenmavizenSEMAsema 2009Sema2009transportationttx02ttxgpzero emissionsZeroEmissionsThu, 05 Nov 2009 13:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese team takes top prize at World Solar Challenge]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/japanese-team-takes-top-prize-at-world-solar-challenge/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/japanese-team-takes-top-prize-at-world-solar-challenge/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/japanese-team-takes-top-prize-at-world-solar-challenge/#comments
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]

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Japanese team takes top prize at World Solar Challenge originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacar racingCarRacingcarsecoenvironmentevevsgreenracesracingsolarsolar carsolar powersolar racesSolarCarSolarPowerSolarRacestokai challengertokai universityTokaiChallengerTokaiUniversitytransportationvehiclesworld solar challengeWorldSolarChallengeMon, 02 Nov 2009 10:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla Roadster keeps on rollin', goes 313 miles on single charge]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/tesla-roadster-keeps-on-rollin-goes-313-miles-on-single-charge/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/tesla-roadster-keeps-on-rollin-goes-313-miles-on-single-charge/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/tesla-roadster-keeps-on-rollin-goes-313-miles-on-single-charge/#comments 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?

Tesla Roadster keeps on rollin', goes 313 miles on single charge originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteriesbattery lifeBatteryLifedistance recordDistanceRecordelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleenduranceevglobal green challengeGlobalGreenChallengelithium ionLithiumIonrechargeableroadstersingle chargeSingleChargeteslatesla roadsterTeslaRoadsterworld recordWorldRecordSat, 31 Oct 2009 03:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell and Envision Solar refashion parking lot into clean energy farm, EV recharge station (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/dell-and-envision-solar-refashion-parking-lot-into-clean-energy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/dell-and-envision-solar-refashion-parking-lot-into-clean-energy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/dell-and-envision-solar-refashion-parking-lot-into-clean-energy/#comments 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)

Dell and Envision Solar refashion parking lot into clean energy farm, EV recharge station (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cleanchargecleanchargestationcoulombCoulomb TechnologiesCoulombTechnologiesdellelectricelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesenvision solarEnvisionSolarevparkingparking lotParkingLotplug-inplug-inspluginsround rockRoundRocksolarsolar energysolar grovesolar panelssolar powersolar poweredSolarEnergySolarGroveSolarPanelsSolarPowerSolarPoweredMon, 26 Oct 2009 06:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda's timeless Super Cub motorcycle showcased with a touch of EV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/hondas-timeless-super-cub-motorcycle-showcased-with-a-touch-of/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/hondas-timeless-super-cub-motorcycle-showcased-with-a-touch-of/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/hondas-timeless-super-cub-motorcycle-showcased-with-a-touch-of/#comments 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.

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Honda's timeless Super Cub motorcycle showcased with a touch of EV originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bikecubcycleecelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevhondahonda cubhonda super cubHondaCubHondaSuperCubmotor bikemotor cycleMotorBikeMotorCyclesuper cubSuperCubTokyo auto showtokyo auto show 2009TokyoAutoShowTokyoAutoShow2009Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan's Land Glider concept car leans like a motorcycle, looks like a squashed GT-R (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/nissans-land-glider-concept-car-leans-like-a-motorcycle-looks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/nissans-land-glider-concept-car-leans-like-a-motorcycle-looks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/nissans-land-glider-concept-car-leans-like-a-motorcycle-looks/#commentsNissan's Land Glider concept car leans like a motorcycle, looks like a squashed GT-R (video) 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.

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

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Nissan's Land Glider concept car leans like a motorcycle, looks like a squashed GT-R (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carElectricCarevland gliderLandGlidernissannissan land gliderNissanLandGlidertokyo motor showTokyoMotorShowzero-emissionsThu, 08 Oct 2009 09:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Wheego Whip gets pictured, driven around at mind-blowingly slow speeds]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/wheego-whip-gets-pictured-driven-around-at-mind-blowingly-slow/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/wheego-whip-gets-pictured-driven-around-at-mind-blowingly-slow/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/wheego-whip-gets-pictured-driven-around-at-mind-blowingly-slow/#comments 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.

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Wheego Whip gets pictured, driven around at mind-blowingly slow speeds originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driveeco-friendlyelectric carElectricCarEVgreenNEVtest driveTestDrivewheegoWheego WhipWheegoWhipwhipThu, 08 Oct 2009 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[e-WOLF e2 seeks to electrify, succeeds]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/01/e-wolf-e2-seeks-to-electrify-succeeds/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/01/e-wolf-e2-seeks-to-electrify-succeeds/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/01/e-wolf-e2-seeks-to-electrify-succeeds/#comments 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

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e-WOLF e2 seeks to electrify, succeeds originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all electricAllElectricCERIOe-wolfe-wolf e2E-wolfE2e2electricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevluxuryluxury carLuxuryCarplug-insupercarzero carbonzero carbon carZeroCarbonZeroCarbonCarThu, 01 Oct 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Mantys golf caddy wants to electrify your game]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/22/video-mantys-golf-caddy-wants-to-electrify-your-game/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/22/video-mantys-golf-caddy-wants-to-electrify-your-game/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/22/video-mantys-golf-caddy-wants-to-electrify-your-game/#comments 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

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Video: Mantys golf caddy wants to electrify your game originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caddyelectricelectric vehicleElectricVehicleEVgolfgolf caddyGolfCaddymantysTue, 22 Sep 2009 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan's Leaf EV will sound like a Blade Runner spinner, get better mileage]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/21/nissans-leaf-ev-will-sound-like-a-blade-runner-spinner-get-bet/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/21/nissans-leaf-ev-will-sound-like-a-blade-runner-spinner-get-bet/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/21/nissans-leaf-ev-will-sound-like-a-blade-runner-spinner-get-bet/#comments 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

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Nissan's Leaf EV will sound like a Blade Runner spinner, get better mileage originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artificial noiseArtificialNoiseblade runnerBladeRunnercarcar noisecar soundCarNoiseCarSoundelectric vehiclesElectricVehiclesengine noiseEngineNoiseevLeafLeaf EVLeafEvNissanNissan LeafNissan Leaf EVNissanLeafNissanLeafEvnoisesoundMon, 21 Sep 2009 09:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen L1 concept is crazy efficient, could ship in 2013]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/#comments
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.

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Volkswagen L1 concept is crazy efficient, could ship in 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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

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Mission One electric motorcycle surpasses 150 MPH, heading to Snake River Canyon originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Toyota moves its two millionth hybrid vehicle, Ma Earth tips her hat originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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]

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Better Place tests its EV battery switching stations on Tokyo cabbies originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobilebatterybattery swappingBatterySwappingbetter placeBetterPlacecarelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevgreengreen autogreenautojapanstationstationsswapTokyotransportationThu, 27 Aug 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford's vehicle-to-grid communications system charges plug-in whips on command]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/fords-vehicle-to-grid-communications-system-charges-plug-in-whi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/fords-vehicle-to-grid-communications-system-charges-plug-in-whi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/fords-vehicle-to-grid-communications-system-charges-plug-in-whi/#comments 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]

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Ford's vehicle-to-grid communications system charges plug-in whips on command originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargechargingcommunicationseco-friendlyelectric carELECTRIC GRIDelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricGridelectricityElectricVehicleenergyevfordgreenhybridINTELLIGENTplug inplug-inplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridPlugInpowertransportationutilityWed, 19 Aug 2009 14:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt nabs shaky 230 MPG rating, might not ship in 2010]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/chevy-volt-nabs-shaky-230-mpg-rating-might-not-ship-in-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/chevy-volt-nabs-shaky-230-mpg-rating-might-not-ship-in-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/chevy-volt-nabs-shaky-230-mpg-rating-might-not-ship-in-2010/#comments
We've always heard that you've got to take the bad with the good, but who said it had to be done at the same time? This morning, Government General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson had some rather sensational news to share about Chevrolet's Volt, but according to a report over at Autocar, that very vehicle is looking at some serious (potential) issues. As for the good news, we're told that the Volt has snagged a staggering 230 MPG rating in the city, but we should caution you that it's not as cut and dry as GM would have you believe. The EPA has released "a new methodology for determining a draft fuel economy standard for extended-range EVs like the Volt," and it's that murky measurement system that has blessed Chevy's wonder child with a triple digit MPG rating.

Now, for the bad news. This past Sunday, GM reportedly submitted a regulatory filing with the US Treasury, and while it can't be taken as official word per se, it does provide reason to believe that the promised November ship date will slip to an undisclosed month and year. The report also noted that there is "no assurance" that it will qualify for any remaining energy loans to develop advanced fuel technology automobiles, and if you needed more reason to doubt the whole ordeal, have a look at this zinger: "Our competitors and others are pursuing similar technologies and other competing technologies, in some cases with more money available; there can be no assurance that they will not acquire similar or superior technologies sooner than we do." Ah well -- at least we know the four or five prototype models destined for eBay will do Ma Earth proud, right?

Update: CNN has a nice look at this incredibly large MPG figure, and -- surprise, surprise -- it's not nearly as fantastic as it looks at first glance.

Read - Chevy Volt gets "230 MPG" rating
Read - Chevy Volt may be delayed [Via AutoblogGreen]

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Chevy Volt nabs shaky 230 MPG rating, might not ship in 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevychevy voltChevyVolteco-friendlyelectric carElectricCarEVgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsGMgreenvoltTue, 11 Aug 2009 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan shows off latest electric car prototype with battery monitoring system, iPhone app ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/27/nissan-shows-off-latest-electric-car-prototype-with-battery-moni/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/27/nissan-shows-off-latest-electric-car-prototype-with-battery-moni/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/27/nissan-shows-off-latest-electric-car-prototype-with-battery-moni/#comments

Nissan's started showing off its latest prototype electric car, based on the Versa. This one will house a 108 horsepower / 206 pound-feet electric motor to drive the front wheels, and a 24 kWh, lithium ion battery pack will be fitted under the floor for storing electricity, with an expected range of 100 miles. To top things of nerd-style, the newest prototype will have a navigation system which will show the current life of the battery, and the mile range its current amount of juice will support, and will boast the ability to download info about nearby charging station locations. And need we say, "there's an app for that?" That's right, Nissan also has a working prototype of an iPhone app making the rounds in Japan which would allow users to communicate with their car remotely and find out the state of the battery's charge. Can this get any cooler?

Read - Nissan shows off new Versa-based electric vehicle protoype
Read - Nissan dials iPhone for car remote control

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Nissan shows off latest electric car prototype with battery monitoring system, iPhone app originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carecoecofriendlyecotechecotechnologyelectic vehicleElecticVehicleelectricelectric carElectricCarevgreengreen technologyGreenTechnologylithium ion batteryLithiumIonBatterynissanprototypezero emissionzero emissionsZeroEmissionZeroEmissionsMon, 27 Jul 2009 11:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: MIT working on rapid recharging for electric vehicles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/video-mit-working-on-rapid-recharging-for-electric-vehicles/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/video-mit-working-on-rapid-recharging-for-electric-vehicles/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/video-mit-working-on-rapid-recharging-for-electric-vehicles/#comments
MIT's electric vehicle prototype may be a long way off from being completed, but if we let that stop us from discussing EVs, we might never talk about them. The headline ambition of the elEVen project is a full recharge within 10 minutes, which would eliminate somewhere between four and ten hours of waiting. Speedwise, the Electric Vehicle Team is aiming for a 100 mph top speed from a 250-horsepower / 187 kilowatt AC induction motor, and a not unheard of 200-mile cruising range. To achieve their rapid juicing aim, the students will strap 7,905 lithium iron-phosphate cell batteries from A123Systems to a gutted 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid body. The batteries' low internal resistance is what makes things possible, but further hurdles, such as finding a sufficiently powerful energy source, would have to be overcome before any sort of widespread use may occur. Video after the break.

[Via PC World]

Continue reading Video: MIT working on rapid recharging for electric vehicles

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Video: MIT working on rapid recharging for electric vehicles originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a123systemsconceptelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleelEVenEVlithium iron-phosphateLithiumIron-phosphateMITprototyperapid rechargeRapidRechargeTeslaThu, 23 Jul 2009 07:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan looking to give an inductive charge to its upcoming Zero Emissions Vehicle]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/21/nissan-looking-to-give-an-inductive-charge-to-its-upcoming-zero/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/21/nissan-looking-to-give-an-inductive-charge-to-its-upcoming-zero/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/21/nissan-looking-to-give-an-inductive-charge-to-its-upcoming-zero/#comments It won't be quite the same as putting a Palm Touchstone under your tire -- although that's quite the mental image -- but Nissan's thinking big and planning to apply that same inductive charging technology for its upcoming five-seat Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV). As envisioned by the company, the ideal scenario would be to drive into a compatible charging bay and power up without the need to haul around a plug like current EV owners do -- Nissan Europe's Larry Haddad estimates a 25 minute shopping trip could be enough to refill the battery back up to 80 percent. In an admittedly more far-fetched case, the company said it's scientifically feasible to have charging plates buried just under the surface of the road for on-the-go charging. With realities like money and practicality in the way, we can't imagine that example to fruition anytime soon. In the meantime, we've still gotta wait until August to even gather a glimpse of the ZEV -- maybe by then we'll get a better idea of Nissan's plans for the technology.

[Via Autoblog Green]

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Nissan looking to give an inductive charge to its upcoming Zero Emissions Vehicle originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevinductioninduction chargingInductionCharginginductiveinductive chargingInductiveChargingnissannissan zevNissanZevzero emissions vehicleZeroEmissionsVehiclezevTue, 21 Jul 2009 00:16:00 EST<![CDATA[McDonalds to offer ChargePoint electric vehicle charging stations]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/06/mcdonalds-to-offer-chargepoint-electric-vehicle-charging-statio/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/06/mcdonalds-to-offer-chargepoint-electric-vehicle-charging-statio/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/06/mcdonalds-to-offer-chargepoint-electric-vehicle-charging-statio/#comments Mind you, we're talking just one of the 30,000 or so McDonalds around the world. Nevertheless, the first "green" version of the ubiquitous US "restaurant" will offer NovaCharge ChargePoint electric vehicle charging stations when it opens in Cary, North Carolina on July 14th. The idea is to recharge your plug-in Electric Vehicle while "enjoying your meal." Unfortunately, the current generation of EV batteries won't likely benefit from the 10 minutes or so it takes to gulp down a value meal. However, Mickey D's might be on to something should drivers choose to stay for the additional 2-hours of regret that follows.

[Via RedFerret]

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McDonalds to offer ChargePoint electric vehicle charging stations originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobilechargepointcharging stationChargingStationelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevmcdonaldsnovachargepluginMon, 06 Jul 2009 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[T3 Motion goes third wheelin' with its CT3 personal commuter EV ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/t3-motion-goes-third-wheelin-with-its-ct3-personal-commuter-ev/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/t3-motion-goes-third-wheelin-with-its-ct3-personal-commuter-ev/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/t3-motion-goes-third-wheelin-with-its-ct3-personal-commuter-ev/#comments Don't get too excited, the above picture's only a render, but T3 Motion -- the company that brought you the security-focused electric stand-up vehicle -- is planning to bring this whip to life as the CT3 personal commuter / EV. As Autoblog points out, the lack of a fourth wheel should help this get classified as a motorcycle, meaning it won't be relegated to zipping around the neighborhood but still will be kept to a 45MPH top speed. However, a 80MPH CT-S version is in the works and will be entered into the Auto X Prize that'll get an envious 100 miles per gallon. Hit up the read link for the full presser.

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T3 Motion goes third wheelin' with its CT3 personal commuter EV originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ct3electric vehicleElectricVehicleevt3t3 motiont3 motion incT3MotionT3MotionInctricycleThu, 02 Jul 2009 02:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Grocery cart morphs into electric go-kart, insanity ensues]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/01/video-grocery-cart-morphs-into-electric-go-kart-insanity-ensue/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/01/video-grocery-cart-morphs-into-electric-go-kart-insanity-ensue/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/01/video-grocery-cart-morphs-into-electric-go-kart-insanity-ensue/#comments
We won't bother detailing just how sophisticated the system is that's powering the wild whip you're peering at above. We won't bother mentioning just how many A123Systems batteries are installed, nor how intelligent the creator is. We won't bother wearing our jealously on our sleeves. What we will do, however, is point you after the break in order to have a look at just how exhilarating a ride in the LOLrio Cart (otherwise known as an electric go-kart) is. Harris Teeter, you getting all this?

[Via AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading Video: Grocery cart morphs into electric go-kart, insanity ensues

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Video: Grocery cart morphs into electric go-kart, insanity ensues originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a123systemsbatterycomedyelectricelectric carElectricCarevfunnygo cartgo kartgo-cartgo-kartGoCartGoKartgreengrocerygrocery cardGroceryCardLOLrio KartLolrioKartmodvideoWed, 01 Jul 2009 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt's first pre-production model now on the road, in testing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/26/chevy-volts-first-pre-production-model-now-on-the-road-in-test/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/26/chevy-volts-first-pre-production-model-now-on-the-road-in-test/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/26/chevy-volts-first-pre-production-model-now-on-the-road-in-test/#comments And with that, the first bona fide pre-production Chevy Volt -- its own parts and all -- has hit the pavement. General Motor's storied EV will be taken through the ropes to see what needs to be tweaked / modified before it finally goes into full production, which is expected to be at a rate of about ten a week as of mid-July -- and if you happen to live near Warren, Michigan, you might just spot one of these early models out on the road. Hard to believe Volt's defied more than a few odds, but so far, it looks promising. Good on ya, GM.

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Chevy Volt's first pre-production model now on the road, in testing originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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High five, Tesla fans -- everyone's favorite incredibly controversial electric car company has just been granted $465m in loans from the Department of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing program. The bulk of the money will go towards that postponed Model S factory, while the remaining $100m will be used to fund an electric powertrain manufacturing facility that will sell parts like motors and battery packs to other carmakers. Tesla wasn't the DOE's only big winner: Nissan received $1.6b (billion!) to build batteries and EVs in Tennessee and Ford received an undisclosed amount to build two upcoming electric cars, but since those companies have largely drama-free upper management that isn't constantly involved in lawsuits, it feels a little more routine. Still, it's an exciting time -- let's hope all these tax dollars turn into affordable, convenient electric transportation sooner rather than later.

Update: A "congressional source" has told the AP that Ford's getting $5.9 billion, so yeah, the Oval's still the big dog.

Read - Tesla
Read - Ford
Read - Nissan

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Tesla, Ford, Nissan all receive electric car development loans from US government originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Advanced Technology Vehicle ManufacturingAdvancedTechnologyVehicleManufacturingatvmatvmpbreaking newsBreakingNewscarcarsdepartment of energyDepartmentOfEnergyelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevfordgrantloanmodel sModelSnissanteslaTue, 23 Jun 2009 14:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt coasts closer to reality, first bona fide model now in production]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/27/chevy-volt-coasts-closer-to-reality-first-bona-fide-model-now-i/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/27/chevy-volt-coasts-closer-to-reality-first-bona-fide-model-now-i/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/27/chevy-volt-coasts-closer-to-reality-first-bona-fide-model-now-i/#comments General Motors has just cut the ribbon, metaphorically at least, on the production of the first genuine Chevy Volt integration vehicle. Unlike previous versions, which have been "developments mules" made using parts from the Malibu / Cruze lines, this will look (and hopefully feel) 100 percent like what the company plans to start pimping out this November. The pre-production model will be put through the paces in case the design needs to be refined and tweaked before going full steam ahead. GM is sticking pretty close to its original plan of building at a rate of ten a week by mid-July, with "several hundred more" going into production early next year, and with any luck, it'll be packing some standardized EV plug by then.

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Chevy Volt coasts closer to reality, first bona fide model now in production originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 May 2009 22:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltdevelopment muleDevelopmentMuleecelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmintegration vehicleIntegrationVehiclemulepre productionpre-productionPreProductionproductionvoltWed, 27 May 2009 22:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Eco Watercraft electric waverunner makes no sound, burns no fuel, zaps no fish]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/eco-watercraft-electric-waverunner-makes-no-sound-burns-no-fuel/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/eco-watercraft-electric-waverunner-makes-no-sound-burns-no-fuel/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/eco-watercraft-electric-waverunner-makes-no-sound-burns-no-fuel/#commentsEco Watercraft electric waverunner makes no sound, burns no fuel, zaps no fish Beware Big Oil executives: EVs aren't content to just take over the morning commute. They're targeting all motorized leisure activities, and while we've already seen how an electric motorcycle can be just as much fun as a petrol-powered version, electric waverunners look to be next. The company is Eco Watercraft, pledging to build its machines in a factory powered by renewable means, thus giving the vehicles twice the green cred. The model in the videos embedded below doesn't look like it could stand a chance of keeping up with some of the more powerful watercraft on the market today, like Yamaha's ridiculous FX Cruiser SHO and its supercharger, but it should be good enough to get your kicks whilst earning fewer dirty looks from birdwatching kayakers. Now if only we knew how much that privilege will cost you.

[Via TreeHugger]

Continue reading Eco Watercraft electric waverunner makes no sound, burns no fuel, zaps no fish

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Eco Watercraft electric waverunner makes no sound, burns no fuel, zaps no fish originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 May 2009 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eco watercraftEcoWatercraftelectricelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevjet skijetskiwatercraftwaverunnerTue, 26 May 2009 10:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Elektromotive debuts billable charge station for electric vehicles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/19/elektromotive-debuts-billable-charge-station-for-electric-vehicl/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/19/elektromotive-debuts-billable-charge-station-for-electric-vehicl/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/19/elektromotive-debuts-billable-charge-station-for-electric-vehicl/#comments
Electric vehicles are about as far from ubiquitous as a burgeoning technology could be, but that's not stopping Elektromotive from thinking about future profits. Said firm has just revealed what it's calling the first-ever billable charge station for EVs, a three phase chargepoint that can supply up to 32 amps at 240V. The station itself is dubbed the Elektrobay, which is equipped with a 2-way GSM service called EBConnect; the latter enables users with specialized key fobs to simply wave their key in front of the pole, charge and be invoiced at a later time. Think PayPass, but for EV charging. We're told that the new billing system will be installed in all 160 of the Elektrobay units in the UK, and you can bank on it being baked into all future installations -- so much for free juice, huh?

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Elektromotive debuts billable charge station for electric vehicles originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 May 2009 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billing systemBillingSystemchargepointchargingeco-friendlyelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleelektromotiveevEVS24greenTue, 19 May 2009 11:17:00 EST<![CDATA[METROBuddy electric car debuts, kind of resembles a mail van]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/metrobuddy-electric-car-debuts-kind-of-resembles-a-mail-van/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/metrobuddy-electric-car-debuts-kind-of-resembles-a-mail-van/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/metrobuddy-electric-car-debuts-kind-of-resembles-a-mail-van/#comments
Looking from behind, one might assume that the METROBuddy is an electric car with style. Unfortunately, those hopes are dashed when peeking the whole whip from the side, as you suddenly become overwhelmed with hints of USPS mail van, garbage truck and a rather large protractor. Design gripes aside, our good pals over at AutoblogGreen were able to sneak a peek at the bantam automobile, which supposedly packs a range of around 50 to 75 miles on a full charge. There's been no mention yet of a price or global release (don't get your hopes up on the latter), but feel free to have a better look around in the vid just past the break.

[Via AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading METROBuddy electric car debuts, kind of resembles a mail van

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METROBuddy electric car debuts, kind of resembles a mail van originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 May 2009 20:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buddycareco-friendlyelectric vehicleElectricAidElectricVehicleeuropeEVgreenmetro buddyMetroBuddynorwaytransportationvehicleThu, 14 May 2009 20:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Better Place's automated electric vehicle battery switch station is faster than Melvin Dummar]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/13/video-better-places-automated-electric-vehicle-battery-switch/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/13/video-better-places-automated-electric-vehicle-battery-switch/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/13/video-better-places-automated-electric-vehicle-battery-switch/#comments It's massive, costs $500,000, and is just a prototype; but you're looking at a possible solution for swapping out heavy car batteries from future electric vehicles. Kind of important if you're hoping to take your EV on a trip a bit further than the supermarket or city center without having to stop for a lengthy recharge. This switch station, unveiled in Japan by Better Place, can swap out a spent battery in less time than it takes to refuel the tank in that baby-killer of a car you hold so precious. These battery swap stations are just part of the enormous infrastructure required to support Better Place's subscription approach to electric vehicles -- infrastructure easily estimated to cost $250 million or so for countries like Israel or Denmark on up to the $1 Billion already pledged by San Francisco Bay Area mayors. Better Place admits that the swap technology is a work in progress but hopes to have 150,000 charging stations and about 100 battery swap stations deployed in Israel by 2011. Check the video after the break.

Continue reading Video: Better Place's automated electric vehicle battery switch station is faster than Melvin Dummar

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Video: Better Place's automated electric vehicle battery switch station is faster than Melvin Dummar originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 May 2009 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've already gotten a good look at the Dodge Circuit EV courtesy of the good folks at AutoblogGreen, but they've now come through yet again with a video that shows the Tesla competitor in action (or moving, at least). While it's expectedly still very much in prototype form, our fearless test driver nonetheless seems to have been fairly impressed by the car, with it delivering some speedy acceleration and an apparently generally pleasing ride. As noted earlier, however, the car is a tad cramped, and the real visibility leaves quite a bit to be desired, although Chrysler says that should be remedied somewhat by some smaller batteries in the eventual production version. Head on past the break for the video.

Continue reading Dodge Circuit EV test drive gets chronicled on video

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Dodge Circuit EV test drive gets chronicled on video originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 May 2009 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslercircuitcircuit evCircuitEvdodgedodge circuitdodge circuit evDodgeCircuitDodgeCircuitEvelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevMon, 11 May 2009 14:24:00 EST<![CDATA[PNNL researchers develop standard smart charger for plug-in vehicles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/04/pnnl-researchers-develop-standard-smart-charger-for-plug-in-vehi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/04/pnnl-researchers-develop-standard-smart-charger-for-plug-in-vehi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/04/pnnl-researchers-develop-standard-smart-charger-for-plug-in-vehi/#comments
Developing a charger for a plug-in electric vehicle is hardly anything new, but the folks at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (or PNNL, for those in the know) have some considerably grander plans for their new Smart Charger Controller, which they say could one day serve as a standard charger for all sorts of electric vehicles. The key bit, it seems, is that each controller would be wirelessly linked to the local electric utility, which would feed the controller power prices and other information in order to let it charge during non-peak hours -- saving owners about $150 a year in energy costs as a result. It would apparently even be able to sense "stress conditions" and shut down before the grid gets overloaded. Of course, all of this depends on both the automakers and electric utilities getting on board, which could be quite a tall order, especially with another standardized EV plug seemingly already on the fast track.

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PNNL researchers develop standard smart charger for plug-in vehicles originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 May 2009 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEVpacific northwest national laboratoryPacificNorthwestNationalLaboratoryphevplug inplug in vehicleplug-inPlugInPlugInVehiclepnnlsmart chargersmart charger controllerSmartChargerSmartChargerControllerMon, 04 May 2009 16:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Phoenix Motorcars undergoing restructuring, still committed to EV space]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/30/phoenix-motorcars-apparently-files-for-bankruptcy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/30/phoenix-motorcars-apparently-files-for-bankruptcy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/30/phoenix-motorcars-apparently-files-for-bankruptcy/#comments
With proven success stories like Tesla struggling to keep those electric car dreams alive in today's economy, it's no shock to hear that at least one little guy (that'd be Phoenix Motorcars) has caved to the pressures. After reviving itself once already late last year by nailing down a partnership with the absolutely stunning state of Hawai'i, it seems the company hasn't been able to progress as planned with its intentions to bring EVs and an electric vehicle infrastructure to the island of Maui. According to a filing on April 27th, the flagging automaker has pegged the soft economy (surprise!) as well as a $5.3 million arbitration apparently won by former drivetrain supplier UQM as the main contributors to its demise. In an update to the situation, however, its CEO has replied to AutoblogGreen in order to reaffirm that it "has not abandoned the alternative fuels transportation space." Unfortunately, that could mean absolutely anything... or nothing at all.

Read - Original filing
Read - Update from Phoenix MC

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Phoenix Motorcars undergoing restructuring, still committed to EV space originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptbankruptcybusinesschapter 11Chapter11eco-friendlyeconomyelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEVgreenhawaiimauiPhoenixPhoenix MotorcarsPhoenixMotorcarsrecessionSUTThu, 30 Apr 2009 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Seattle is latest lucky winner of an electric car partnership with Nissan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/seattle-is-latest-lucky-winner-of-an-electric-car-partnership-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/seattle-is-latest-lucky-winner-of-an-electric-car-partnership-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/seattle-is-latest-lucky-winner-of-an-electric-car-partnership-wi/#commentsSeattle is latest lucky winner of an electric car partnership with Nissan
Nissan's EVs are coming, but if people are really going to buy them in droves they're going to need somewhere other than the rusty outlets in their garages to charge them. So, the company has been working like mad forming partnerships with municipalities around the world, from California to China, to get city-wide charging stations installed. The latest is Seattle, a place that gets much of its power through renewable means (hydro dams), thus making the boxy little car even greener. Only two questions remain: will they use a standardized plug that all manufacturers can share, and what will they call all those recharging hotspots? We vote for spark hydrant.

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Seattle is latest lucky winner of an electric car partnership with Nissan originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevev-02nissannissan electric carnissan electric vehiclenissan ev-02NissanElectricCarNissanElectricVehicleNissanEv-02seattleWed, 29 Apr 2009 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler aims to produce all-electric USPS pimpmobiles... er, minivans]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/27/chrysler-aims-to-produce-all-electric-usps-pimpmobiles-er-mi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/27/chrysler-aims-to-produce-all-electric-usps-pimpmobiles-er-mi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/27/chrysler-aims-to-produce-all-electric-usps-pimpmobiles-er-mi/#comments Have a look at that sweet piece up above and just imagine your mail being carted around inside. Go ahead, we'll wait. If Chrysler has its druthers (and stays afloat long enough to make good on its good intentions), it'll soon be producing a fleet of all-electric Town and Country minivans for the United States Postal Service. The automaker has voiced its plans to apply for a federal grant in order to get things moving, though it will be looking to utility companies Duke Energy and ConEd to make it all come together. If all goes well, the vans produced will have a range of around 40 miles, though it's expected that they will have a gasoline-powered motor on board in case that last overnight package requires just a few more miles. 'Course, there's no guarantee that the application will result in a grant, but for all those who appreciate comedy, we can only hope it flies though in record time.

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Chrysler aims to produce all-electric USPS pimpmobiles... er, minivans originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 02:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChryslerconedDuke Energyelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEVminivanpost officepostal servicePostalServicePostOfficeTown and CountryTownAndCountryUSPSvanMon, 27 Apr 2009 02:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Dodge Circuit EV goes for a test drive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/dodge-circuit-ev-goes-for-a-test-drive/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/dodge-circuit-ev-goes-for-a-test-drive/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/dodge-circuit-ev-goes-for-a-test-drive/#comments Value your bodily safety too much to get within shouting distance of an electric motorcycle or a two-seat Segway? Our friends at AutoblogGreen have you totally covered with a test drive in the utterly safe, normal and boring Dodge Circuit EV. It's based on the same powertrain that Chrysler is stuffing into all of its ENVI vehicles, but with the lightweight Lotus-derived frame on top, there's quite a bit of get-up-and-go to it. Unfortunately, the cabin is a bit cramped, and Chrysler still has some bugs to work out with its EV platform. Right now the regenerative braking bites right away, instead of letting the car coast, requiring constant use of the accelerator to keep moving, but Chrysler is working on it. There are still big questions on price and availability, but so it goes with most electric vehicles -- at least this one seems fairly ready to go.

Note: Gallery jumps to AutoBlogGreen

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Dodge Circuit EV goes for a test drive originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdodgedodge circuitdodge circuit evDodgeCircuitDodgeCircuitEvelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleenvievlotustest driveTestDriveThu, 23 Apr 2009 22:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Standardized EV plug could be adopted within months, says GM]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/21/standardized-ev-plug-could-be-adopted-within-months-says-gm/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/21/standardized-ev-plug-could-be-adopted-within-months-says-gm/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/21/standardized-ev-plug-could-be-adopted-within-months-says-gm/#comments Here's a more reassuring timeline for that proposed standardized plug for electric vehicles. The SAE J1772 Task Force-developed charging system, based on an initial design by supplier Yazaki, is now at Underwriters Labs for certification. That's scheduled to be done by the end of May and, if all things go according to plan, it can be adopted for use in the next few months. Speaking to Autoblog Green, General Motors' Gery Kissel listed his company, Chrysler, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Tesla among those participating or supporting the standard. He also said the we-swear-it's-coming-this-year Chevy Volt should be equipped with the new plug, and Tesla's reportedly pledged to adopt it for current plans and retrofit its older models. Things are starting to look up for the EV industry.

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Standardized EV plug could be adopted within months, says GM originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carchevroletchevrolet voltchevroletvoltchevychevy voltchevyvolteco friendlyeco-friendlyEcoFriendlyelectricelectric carelectric vehicleelectriccarelectricvehicleevgeneral motorsgeneralmotorsgmgreenJ1772plug inplug in vehiclesplug-inplug-in vehiclesPlug-inVehiclespluginpluginvehiclesprotocolSAESAE J1772sae-j1772saej1772standardvehiclevoltTue, 21 Apr 2009 21:38:00 EST