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[The Engadget interview: OnStar's Nick Pudar talks smart grids at CTIA 2012 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/12/the-engadget-interview-onstars-nick-pudar-talks-smart-grids-at/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/12/the-engadget-interview-onstars-nick-pudar-talks-smart-grids-at/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/12/the-engadget-interview-onstars-nick-pudar-talks-smart-grids-at/#comments The Engadget interview: OnStar's Nick Pudar talks smart grids at CTIA 2012 (video)

While visiting the Innovation Showcase at CTIA 2012, we ran into Nick Pudar -- OnStar's VP of Business Development -- who was kind enough to give us a few minutes of his time. We sat in the LTE Skype-enabled Chevy Volt on display and discussed such topics as OnStar FMV, RelayRides and smart grids -- wherein power utilities can (with the customer's consent) send a signal to a vehicle to control when it charges. The idea is to allows utilities to maximize grid efficiency and minimize power spikes while giving customers options for when to charge the vehicle -- like when the rates are the lowest or when the power generated is coming from renewable energy, for example. Pretty neat stuff, eh? Watch our video interview for all the (pardon the pun) juicy details.

The Engadget interview: OnStar's Nick Pudar talks smart grids at CTIA 2012 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 May 2012 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltChevyChevy VoltChevyVoltCTIACTIA 2012CTIA WIrelessCTIA Wireless 2012Ctia2012CtiaWirelessCtiaWireless2012interviewNick PudarNickPudarOnStarOnStar FMVOnstarFmvRelayRidessmart gridSmartGridvideoVoltSat, 12 May 2012 10:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevrolet replacing 120-volt power cords on most Volt automobiles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/24/chevrolet-volt-replacing-120-volt-power-cords/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/24/chevrolet-volt-replacing-120-volt-power-cords/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/24/chevrolet-volt-replacing-120-volt-power-cords/#commentsImageIf you're one of the 10,000 or so folks who pay insurance on a Chevrolet Volt, you may have a new cable coming your way. According to The Detroit News and Yahoo! Autos, General Motors will soon be sending out replacement 120-volt charging cords for Volt automobiles, which are said to "offer some more consistency in charging," while also making it more durable. We're told that some of the newfangled chargers have shipped with recent Volts, but the majority of customers were sent home with the older model. Of note, GM won't be swapping out any of those optional 240-volt cords, and the company won't consider this a recall or safety issue. As for getting your replacement? Owners are slated to be notified directly in the "next few weeks."

Chevrolet replacing 120-volt power cords on most Volt automobiles originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120-volt power cord120-voltPowerCordautomobilecablechargingchevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevyelectric carElectricCargeneral motorsGeneralMotorshybridissueplugproblemvoltSat, 24 Mar 2012 08:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt safe from fire hazard after all, says government]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/chevy-volt-safe-from-fire-hazard-after-all-says-government/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/chevy-volt-safe-from-fire-hazard-after-all-says-government/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/chevy-volt-safe-from-fire-hazard-after-all-says-government/#comments The Chevy Volt isn't prone to catching fire after all, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The all-electric car came under scrutiny last year after one caught fire following a side-impact crash test. GM offered a buyback program for Volt owners concerned their cars might suddenly immolate, then the company made "enhancements" to the Volt's battery coolant system. That set things right, as far as the NHTSA is concerned: it says "no discernable defect trend exists" in the Volt, and that GM's revisions "reduce the potential for battery intrusion resulting from side impacts." Chevy dropped the Volt's price by $1,000 for 2012, too. So what do you think? Is a $39,000 starting price and less of a chance of burning to death enough to make you go electric?

Chevy Volt safe from fire hazard after all, says government originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobatteriesbatterycarcarschevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltChevyChevy VoltChevyVoltelectricelectric carelectric carsElectricCarElectricCarsfirefire hazardFireHazardgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhazardNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationNHTSAsafetyvoltTue, 24 Jan 2012 02:03:00 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[GM to add 'enhancements' to Chevy Volt's battery coolant system, will call back 8,000 cars]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/GM-Chevy-Volt-Battery-Fire-Test/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/GM-Chevy-Volt-Battery-Fire-Test/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/GM-Chevy-Volt-Battery-Fire-Test/#comments
In the wake of an NHSTA "formal safety investigation," GM today announced plans to add enhancements to the Chevy Volt's battery coolant system, in the hopes of preventing any post-crash electrical fires. As a result, some 8,000 Volt drivers will have to bring their cars back to their dealerships, as part of a move that's one notch below a formal recall. GM made the decision following federal investigation that saw three batteries erupt in flames after side-impact crash tests. Regulators blamed the irregularity on a coolant leak though thus far, no similar incidents have been reported among any Volt owners. The manufacturer plans to remedy the situation by adding extra support to protect the battery during side collisions, adding an extra sensor to keep an eye on coolant levels, and by incorporating an extra bracket atop the coolant reservoir to guard against potential overflows. Vehicles with these enhancements, GM said, passed the tests without any leakage or battery pack damage. Head past the break for the full PR.

Update: Chevrolet has just reached out to us to clarify that adding these enhancements is voluntary, and not mandatory for Volt owners: "These modifications are part of a voluntary customer satisfaction effort. While we will encourage customers to return to a dealership to have their Volt's modified, it is voluntary for them as well."

Continue reading GM to add 'enhancements' to Chevy Volt's battery coolant system, will call back 8,000 cars

GM to add 'enhancements' to Chevy Volt's battery coolant system, will call back 8,000 cars originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterycall backCallBackcarcarschevychevy voltChevyVoltdangerelectricelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevfiregeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmlithium ion batteryLithiumIonBatteryNHSTArecalltestvoltThu, 05 Jan 2012 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[OnStar ready to flaunt LTE Skype-enabled system on GM rides]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/onstar-ready-to-flaunt-lte-skype-enabled-system-on-gm-rides/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/onstar-ready-to-flaunt-lte-skype-enabled-system-on-gm-rides/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/onstar-ready-to-flaunt-lte-skype-enabled-system-on-gm-rides/#comments Last year at CES, OnStar wasn't too shy about teasing its partnership with Verizon that would assist in bringing applications like YouTube, Wikipedia and Skype to your vehicle. At that point, though, it was just an idea. Fast forward to next year's iteration of the Consumer Electronics Show and that's turned into a reality. It's safe to say that Skyping-and-driving wouldn't be the best of ideas, but fortunately the system will keep you from making that mistake by only running when your car is immobile -- so don't make any plans to call your friends to tell them how fast you're going. Your kids, or other backseat passengers, won't be too worried since they'll be able to take full advantage of all the gimmicks; including the aforementioned, video streaming and the usual Angry Birds frolic. The in-car system is set to be shown on Volt and Cadillac models, and OnStar has said that there's more deets to be unveiled -- you'll just have to wait until we head to Vegas to find out.

OnStar ready to flaunt LTE Skype-enabled system on GM rides originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g lte4gLtecadillaccarscesces 2012Ces2012chevy voltChevyVoltgmcin-caronstaronstar 4g lteonstar in-car video chatonstar lteonstar verizon 4g lteOnstar4gLteOnstarIn-carVideoChatOnstarLteOnstarVerizon4gLteskypetransportationvoltWed, 21 Dec 2011 22:11:00 EST<![CDATA[New quantum tunneling transistors to make PCs less power-hungry]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/12/new-quantum-tunneling-transistors-to-make-pcs-less-power-hungry/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/12/new-quantum-tunneling-transistors-to-make-pcs-less-power-hungry/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/12/new-quantum-tunneling-transistors-to-make-pcs-less-power-hungry/#commentsYes, that awesome new 8-core chip in your PC is the fastest thing on the block, but it's got your utility meter spinning accordingly. Fortunately, researchers from Penn State have come up with a new high performance transistor that may turn future chips from power hogs into current-sipping silicon. The group, in cooperation with semiconductor manufacturer IQE, has created a high-performance transistor capable of significantly reducing power demand whether it's idle or switching. Doctoral candidate Dheeraj Mohata's the one who made it happen by inventing an alternative to traditional MOSFET (metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors) technology capable of turning on and off using far less power. Mohata's method uses a tunneling field effect transistor crafted from dissimilar semiconductor materials to provide instant on-off capability at 300 millivolts -- compared to MOSFET's one volt requirement -- to provide a power savings of 70 percent. You can dig deeper into the technical transistor details at the source, but all you really need to know is that the ladies love a PC with paltry power consumption.

New quantum tunneling transistors to make PCs less power-hungry originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dheeraj MohataDheerajMohataeffectfieldIQEmillivoltMOSFETPenn StatePenn State UniversityPennStatePennStateUniversitypowerpower consumptionPowerConsumptionquantum tunnelingquantum tunneling field effect transistorQuantumTunnelingQuantumTunnelingFieldEffectTransistorresearchsciencesemiconductorsemiconductorstransistortransistorsvoltMon, 12 Dec 2011 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[GM considers new battery for Volt, offers to buy back hybrids from pyrophobic customers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/gm-considers-new-battery-for-volt-offers-to-buy-back-hybrids-fr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/gm-considers-new-battery-for-volt-offers-to-buy-back-hybrids-fr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/gm-considers-new-battery-for-volt-offers-to-buy-back-hybrids-fr/#comments Chevy Volt Still freaked out about that whole Volt catching fire thing? Well, GM wants you to know it's taking your concerns very seriously. The company is considering a redesign of the battery in the hybrid, possibly delaying the release of the Opel-branded version in Europe. What's more, for those not satisfied with being able to pick up a loaner, the company will buy the vehicle back from you. That is if you're too much of a pansy to keep your combustible car.

GM considers new battery for Volt, offers to buy back hybrids from pyrophobic customers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterybuy backBuyBackchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltGMredesignsafetyVoltFri, 02 Dec 2011 16:51:00 EST<![CDATA[GM assures owners Volt is safe, offers loaners for good measure]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/gm-assures-owners-volt-is-safe-offers-loaners-for-good-measure/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/gm-assures-owners-volt-is-safe-offers-loaners-for-good-measure/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/gm-assures-owners-volt-is-safe-offers-loaners-for-good-measure/#comments Reports of the NHTSA's Volt catching fire post crash-tests still got you down? Well, unless you're the type who lingers for several weeks in the vicinity of your wrecked auto, there probably isn't much to worry about. GM apparently feels the same way, as it's began contacting all 5,329 owners to "reassure them" their gasoline-electric whips are safe to drive. Those who remain unconvinced can bug the General for a presumably non-electric loaner while the whole investigation sorts itself. Or if your name is Jay Leno, you could just choose one of the other hundred in your garage.

GM assures owners Volt is safe, offers loaners for good measure originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevychevy voltChevyVoltfiregeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgm voltGmVoltnhtsanhtsa crash testNhtsaCrashTestsafetyvoltvolt fireVoltFireTue, 29 Nov 2011 06:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt under 'formal safety investigation' by NHTSA due to post-crash fire concerns]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/27/dnp-chevy-volt-under-formal-safety-investigation-by-nhtsa-due/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/27/dnp-chevy-volt-under-formal-safety-investigation-by-nhtsa-due/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/27/dnp-chevy-volt-under-formal-safety-investigation-by-nhtsa-due/#comments
The Chevy Volt's lithium-ion battery may be great for a lot of things -- like low gasoline-dependency, for instance -- but when it comes to government regulated crash tests, it's proving to be a fiery problem. As the story goes, back in May, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration put a Volt through standard side-impact crash testing, and in doing so, "the vehicle's battery was damaged and the coolant line was ruptured." The big issue? The car went up in flames multiple weeks later, seemingly as direct result. That event prompted the NHTSA to further study the safety of the batts in the period after a crash, which culminated in more tests performed just over a week ago to find out if they would prove volatile again -- simply put, they did. The group recently explained that it's "concerned that damage to the Volt's batteries as part of three tests that are explicitly designed to replicate real-world crash scenarios have resulted in fire."

Because of this development, the NHTSA (with assistance from the Department of Defense, Department of Energy and General Motors itself) has officially launched a formal investigation into the Volt to ensure that its current battery implementation isn't a safety defect. Despite the announcement, the agency notes that of all the Volts currently zipping along the streets, there has yet to be a to be a similar incident out on the open road. The NHTSA further clarified that there's not yet any reason for current owners to worry, so long as they haven't been in an accident with their vehicle. Overall, GM describes the whole investigation as "procedural" at this point, stating that both GM has been working with the NHTSA for over six months on a "broader program designed to induce battery failure after extreme situations." Seems a bit late at this point, but in any event, you'll find full details in the press releases from both parties just past the break.

Continue reading Chevy Volt under 'formal safety investigation' by NHTSA due to post-crash fire concerns

Chevy Volt under 'formal safety investigation' by NHTSA due to post-crash fire concerns originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevychevy voltChevyVoltcrash testCrashTestdepartment of defensedepartment of energyDepartmentOfDefenseDepartmentOfEnergydoddoefiregeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgminvestigationJim FedericoJimFedericosafetyvoltSun, 27 Nov 2011 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Jay Leno's Chevy Volt still has original tank of gas, 11,000 miles later]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/jay-lenos-chevy-volt-still-has-original-tank-of-gas-11-000-mil/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/jay-lenos-chevy-volt-still-has-original-tank-of-gas-11-000-mil/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/jay-lenos-chevy-volt-still-has-original-tank-of-gas-11-000-mil/#comments What daily driver do you pick when you're rockin' a warehouse with over a hundred enviable whips? Well, if you happen to be a famous comedian named Jay Leno, apparently it's the Chevy Volt. Since procuring the plug-in chariot last year, the late night star has "yet to put gas in it," despite accumulating over 11,000 miles driving to and from what we'll assume is The Tonight Show. Not all of that has been gasoline-free automotive bliss, as Leno's exceeded the car's electric 40-ish mile range more than a few times, burning through around half of the vehicle's original tank. At that rate, the Volt will need refueling by this time next year -- or not, barring any further timeslot kerfuffles.

Jay Leno's Chevy Volt still has original tank of gas, 11,000 miles later originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 04:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChevroletchevyChevy VoltChevyVoltElectric carElectricCarEVgasolineGMJay Lenoplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridThe Tonight ShowVoltSat, 19 Nov 2011 04:18:00 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[Chevy Volts invade NYC police fleet, give cops all new ways to taze bros]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/chevy-volts-invade-nyc-police-fleet-give-cops-all-new-ways-to-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/chevy-volts-invade-nyc-police-fleet-give-cops-all-new-ways-to-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/chevy-volts-invade-nyc-police-fleet-give-cops-all-new-ways-to-t/#comments
New York's boys in blue will soon be able to creep up on evildoers with even more subtlety, thanks to some new electrified vehicles the city unveiled yesterday. As part of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's environmentally-friendly PlaNYC initiative, 70 new EVs have been added to the city's fleet of public cars, in the hopes of lowering emissions and creating a "greener, greater New York City." Joining the force are ten Ford Transit Connect cargo vans, ten Navi-star E-star trucks and a full 50 Chevy Volts -- some of which will be used as NYPD squad cars. These newcomers will be shared among nine different departments, joining 360 other city plug-ins already purring their way across the five boroughs. Bloomberg is also working toward adding EVs to New York's army of 13,000 taxis -- which we're totally cool with, as long as they're not minivans. Zip past the break for a rather Homeric press release.

Continue reading Chevy Volts invade NYC police fleet, give cops all new ways to taze bros

Chevy Volts invade NYC police fleet, give cops all new ways to taze bros originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 01:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloombergchevroletchevychevy voltChevyVoltcitye-starelectric vehicleElectricVehicleemissionsenvironmentEVfordford transit connectFordTransitConnectmichael bloombergMichaelBloombergmike bloombergMikeBloombergnavi-starnavi-star e-starNavi-starE-starnew yorknew york citynew york police departmentNewYorkNewYorkCityNewYorkPoliceDepartmentNYCnyfdNYPDPlaNYCplug-inpolicepolice carPoliceCartransit connectTransitConnecttransportvoltFri, 15 Jul 2011 01:03:00 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[Chevy drops Volt base price by $1,000 for 2012, makes saving the world slightly more affordable]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/chevy-drops-volt-base-price-by-1-000-for-2012-makes-saving-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/chevy-drops-volt-base-price-by-1-000-for-2012-makes-saving-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/chevy-drops-volt-base-price-by-1-000-for-2012-makes-saving-the/#comments Chevy wants to know what it can do to get you into one of its plug-in hybrids today. A $1,000 price drop? You got it. The carmaker announced this week that the 2012 Volt base price will come in a grand lower than its predecessor, thanks to the sorts of additional configurations that come with increased availability. The 2011 version was available in seven states and the District of Columbia and came in three configurations -- 2012's Volt is available nationwide in seven different packages, ranging from $39,995 to $46,265. And keep in mind that those prices don't factor in potential tax credits. The latest version of the plug-in vehicle is available now for order and offers up features like MyLink media streaming, OnStar driving directions, and passive locking (though the new base model does strip away a couple of features found in its predecessor). Also there's the whole lessening your dependence on gasoline, if you're into that sort of thing.

Continue reading Chevy drops Volt base price by $1,000 for 2012, makes saving the world slightly more affordable

Chevy drops Volt base price by $1,000 for 2012, makes saving the world slightly more affordable originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Jun 2011 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltelectric vehicleElectricVehicleEVgreenhybridmylinkonstarplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridvoltSat, 11 Jun 2011 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: hydrogen-powered space plane, Japan's solar surge and urban farms of Ze Future]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/29/inhabitats-week-in-green-hydrogen-powered-space-plane-japans/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/29/inhabitats-week-in-green-hydrogen-powered-space-plane-japans/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/29/inhabitats-week-in-green-hydrogen-powered-space-plane-japans/#commentsEach 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.

Green transportation took off for the stars this week as Inhabitat reported that the European Space Agency has approved of a new hydrogen-powered "Skylon" space plane, and we spotted a hot Star Wars-inspired electric chopper that wouldn't look out of place on the Death Star. We also learned that NASA plans to rejoin the space race with a new MPCV craft fit for deep space flights, while here on Earth we saw GE harness the power of the sun to charge Volt EVs before they hit dealerships.

Speaking of solar power, Japan unveiled plans to construct 10 new solar power plants in the wake of the Fukushima Nuclear Crisis, while Switzerland announced that it will completely phase out the use of nuclear power. We also showcased a stunning chandelier made from 500 fluttering photovoltaic butterflies, and we saw Nevada kick-start construction on the US' first molten salt solar plant, which will generate energy long after the sun has set.

We also brought you several incredible feats of architecture this week, from a restaurant made from a recycled Soviet airplane in Zurich to an innovative cocoon-like building made from sugarcane that recently won an AIA competition. We also showed how Plantlab is making vertical urban farms a reality, and we spotted a sky-high proposal for an energy-generating city on stilts that would hover over Manhattan. Finally, this week we rounded up some of our favorite eco apps and services that can help you green your consumption.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: hydrogen-powered space plane, Japan's solar surge and urban farms of Ze Future originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 May 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>butterfliesbutterflyChevy VoltChevyVolteco-friendlygreenInhabitatinhabitats week in greenInhabitatsWeekInGreenjapanmolten saltMoltenSaltnasaNevadaPlantlabrecycledrecyclingskylonsolarsolar powersolar poweredSolarPowerSolarPoweredSwitzerlandVoltWeek in GreenWeekInGreenSun, 29 May 2011 22:00:00 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[GM looking to offer lower-cost, shorter-range Volt?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/gm-looking-to-offer-lower-cost-shorter-range-volt/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/gm-looking-to-offer-lower-cost-shorter-range-volt/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/gm-looking-to-offer-lower-cost-shorter-range-volt/#commentsGM looking to offer lower-cost, shorter-range Volt? We've certainly had some complaints about the Chevrolet Volt, including mediocre highway mileage, but far and away it's that $41,000 MSRP keeping it from being a real contender for mass adoption. Now we're hearing rumors that GM is thinking about down-sizing the car's batteries in an attempt to drop that price as well. The battery pack is far and away the most expensive single component in the car and the thought is that a reduction of the pure EV range to just 20 miles (down from its current 30 - 50) could have a whopping $10,000 reduction in cost. That would mean buyers would dip into the gas tank a little sooner but be a lighter on their bank accounts -- at least in the beginning.

GM looking to offer lower-cost, shorter-range Volt? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevyelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhybridparallel hybridParallelHybridphevseries hybridSeriesHybridvoltThu, 10 Mar 2011 21:48:00 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<![CDATA[Chevrolet launches MyLink smartphone integration for 2012 Volt and Equinox]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/chevrolet-launches-mylink-smartphone-integration-for-2012-volt-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/chevrolet-launches-mylink-smartphone-integration-for-2012-volt-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/chevrolet-launches-mylink-smartphone-integration-for-2012-volt-a/#comments
 Welcome to the wonderful world of smartphones, Chevrolet. The company has just announced (on our very show, no less) a system it calls MyLink. It's a definite competitor to things like Ford's AppLink and the recently unveiled Toyota Entune system. Offering compatibility with iOS, BlackBerry, and Android it allows for a driver to interact with apps running on their smartphones using controls in their car. Connectivity is totally wireless for the last two, with data going over Bluetooth, but as of the current version iOS devices need to be physically tethered to the car. That's a bit of a bummer.

Currently there are only two compatible apps: Stitcher and Pandora, the latter maintaining its status of the world's most popular infotainment app. Naturally, more are coming. Drivers can interact with the apps using voice, courtesy of Nuance, or using the touchscreen displays found in the Volt and Equinox, the first cars that will offer this system and which will also offer PowerMat charging, meaning you can not only stream tunes wirelessly but also charge your device. No word yet on cost or what option packages this system will be available in, but we'll be bringing that to you as soon as we can. Until then, enjoy the video demo after the break.

Gallery: Chevrolet MyLink show


Gallery: Chevy MyLink official pictures

Continue reading Chevrolet launches MyLink smartphone integration for 2012 Volt and Equinox

Chevrolet launches MyLink smartphone integration for 2012 Volt and Equinox originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20122012 volt2012Voltandroidappleblackberrychevroletchevrolet mylinkChevroletMylinkchevyequinoxFeatureFeaturedFeaturesgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgminfotainmentiosmylinkrimsmartphone integrationSmartphoneIntegrationvideovoltThu, 17 Feb 2011 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[2012 Chevy Volt could be eligible for an extra $5,000 off in California]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/2012-chevy-volt-could-be-eligible-for-an-extra-5-000-off-in-cal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/2012-chevy-volt-could-be-eligible-for-an-extra-5-000-off-in-cal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/2012-chevy-volt-could-be-eligible-for-an-extra-5-000-off-in-cal/#comments2012 Chevy Volt could be eligible for an extra $5,000 off in California If you live in California you're blessed with a lot of things, including weather patterns that seem to get stuck in a rut an awful lot. Another treat you'll find is an additional $5,000 rebate on cars that are rated AT-PZEV -- that's Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle, those having very low emissions and hybrid-like technology. The 2011 Chevrolet Volt failed to score that rating because its batteries are not rated for 10 years and 150,000 miles, part of the AT-PZEV rules, but GM is apparently looking to fix that next year with a version of the Volt that will qualify. It's unclear whether all Volts will be upgraded or whether it'll be an option -- and if an option how much that will cost -- but a total of $12,500 in rebates on the Volt would certainly make that $41,000 MSRP a lot more palatable.

2012 Chevy Volt could be eligible for an extra $5,000 off in California originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>at-pzevcaliforniachevroletchevy voltChevyVoltgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhybridparallel hybridParallelHybridpzevrebateseries hybridSeriesHybridvoltThu, 17 Feb 2011 11:34:00 EST<![CDATA[GM CEO Dan Akerson wants next-gen Chevy Volt to be $7,500 cheaper, we do too]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/gm-ceo-dan-akerson-wants-next-gen-chevy-volt-to-be-7-500-cheape/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/gm-ceo-dan-akerson-wants-next-gen-chevy-volt-to-be-7-500-cheape/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/gm-ceo-dan-akerson-wants-next-gen-chevy-volt-to-be-7-500-cheape/#commentsGM CEO Dan Akerson wants next-gen Chevy Volt to be $7,500 cheaper, we do too We like the idea of the Chevy Volt, but at a starting price of $40,280 it's a bit of a tough sell -- even considering the $7,500 tax break you'll get for being on the cutting edge. GM CEO Dan Akerson agrees, according to GM-Volt.com giving his designers the task of cutting $7,500 out of the car's cost by the time its next generation appears at dealers. Assuming our federal tax credit still exists that would push the out the door figure for the car down to around $25,000, about the same as the Nissan Leaf and into the budgets of far more Americans than it currently targets. We're not sure exactly what corners will be cut to make this happen, but we're hoping they don't try to make the wheels any thinner.

GM CEO Dan Akerson wants next-gen Chevy Volt to be $7,500 cheaper, we do too originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 07:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevycostdan akersonDanAkersongeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhybridparallel hybridParallelHybridseries hybridSeriesHybridvoltThu, 03 Feb 2011 07:16:00 EST<![CDATA[408 Chevrolet Volts and Nissan Leafs sold in US during January, limited supply probably to blame]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/408-chevrolet-volts-and-nissan-leafs-sold-in-us-during-january/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/408-chevrolet-volts-and-nissan-leafs-sold-in-us-during-january/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/408-chevrolet-volts-and-nissan-leafs-sold-in-us-during-january/#comments The Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf are alike in a lot of ways: both rely on electric motors for their locomotion, both have earned Car of the Year awards (Volt in North America, Leaf in Europe), and both have had stunningly low sales in their first couple of months on sale. January's numbers have just come out and the Volt leads the way with 321 vehicles sold or leased, while Nissan scores an even weaker 87 purchases. That compares to figures of 326 and 19, respectively, for the month of December. Before we all start writing off the EV as DOA (again), let's remember that both companies have massive back-orders for their electrified people carriers, leading us to believe that the most likely cause for this slow trickle of deliveries is a limited supply rather than dwindling demand. Production volumes of the Volt and Leaf are expected to ramp up as we go forward, so panic's inadvisable -- unless we come around to January 2012 and are still looking at fewer sales than the Joojoo managed.

408 Chevrolet Volts and Nissan Leafs sold in US during January, limited supply probably to blame originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011carcarschevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevfiguresjanuaryleafnissan leafNissanLeafnumbersplug-insalesstatisticsstatsvoltWed, 02 Feb 2011 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevrolet rolling out Volt nationwide by end of year, everybody gets a plug-in]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/chevrolet-rolling-out-volt-nationwide-by-end-of-year-everybody/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/chevrolet-rolling-out-volt-nationwide-by-end-of-year-everybody/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/chevrolet-rolling-out-volt-nationwide-by-end-of-year-everybody/#commentsChevrolet rolling out Volt nationwide by end of year, everybody gets a plug-in Sick of waiting for your Leaf? Maybe you'll have more luck finding a Volt. Sure, it's not a pure EV, or even a pure series hybrid, but it is going to be a lot easier to find in the near future. Chevrolet has confirmed that the car will be going nationwide by the end of the year, expanding from its current availability in just a few states -- the crimson ones above. By the third quarter it will hit the great Pacific Northwest and the muggy Southeast, and then toward the end of the year it'll fill in the bits in the middle and warm the hearts and garages of Americans all the way up in Maine and Alaska. So, who's buying?

Continue reading Chevrolet rolling out Volt nationwide by end of year, everybody gets a plug-in

Chevrolet rolling out Volt nationwide by end of year, everybody gets a plug-in originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>availabilitychevroletchevygeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhybridparallel hybridParallelHybridphevplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridseries hybridSeriesHybridvoltFri, 28 Jan 2011 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: self-sustaining airships, turbine base jumpers, and the Sahara's solar oasis]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/23/inhabitats-week-in-green-self-sustaining-airships-turbine-bas/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/23/inhabitats-week-in-green-self-sustaining-airships-turbine-bas/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/23/inhabitats-week-in-green-self-sustaining-airships-turbine-bas/#commentsEach 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.

This week opened with the exciting news that Norway and Jordan signed an agreement create a flourishing solar oasis in the scorching Sahara Desert. India also made waves as they announced the first tidal plant in Asia, and we took a look at a novel wind power tech that eschews noisy turbines for piezoelectric pads. We also rounded up our favorite wind-powered gadgets that don't blow, and you won't believe the latest extreme sport: wind turbine base jumping!

In other news, green transportation took to the skies as we showcased a futuristic airship that generates its own fuel and a hydrogen-powered UAV that can stay aloft for up to a week. Meanwhile, back on earth we heard several major auto manufactures make exciting announcements as Chevrolet unveiled tech that could double the Volt's battery life and Toyota pulled back the curtain on an upgraded electric motor that requires less rare earth metals.

This week we also shined a light on the world of energy-efficient illumination with our Green Lighting 101 guide, and we were blinded by the brilliance of Mischer Traxler's repurposed Relumine desk lamps. Finally, from the realm of wearable tech we brought you the solar-powered Androcell backpack that backs up your data, and we tested a handy alphabet flash card app for tech-savvy tots.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: self-sustaining airships, turbine base jumpers, and the Sahara's solar oasis originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airshipAndrocellbackpackbase jumpingBaseJumpingChevy VoltChevyVoltinhabitatinhabitats week in greenInhabitatsWeekInGreenlightingMischer TraxlerMischerTraxlerrare earthRareEarthreluminesaharasahara desertSaharaDesertself-sustainingsolarsolar powerSolarPowerTidaltidal powerTidalPowerToyotaVoltweek in greenWeekInGreenwind powerWindPowerSun, 23 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Will rental car companies ding you for returning half-charged electric vehicles? Enterprise won't.]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/15/will-rental-car-companies-charge-you-for-returning-half-charged/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/15/will-rental-car-companies-charge-you-for-returning-half-charged/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/15/will-rental-car-companies-charge-you-for-returning-half-charged/#comments Here's a shocker in more ways than one. Earlier this month, Enterprise Rent-A-Car announced that it would soon be offering Chevrolet's Volt at the company's Mark Christopher Auto Center in Ontario, California, and we reasonably assumed that renters best watch out for any unforeseen charges that may arise from returning it with a dead (or near-dead) stash of batteries. For anyone who has rented a gasoline-powered automobile in the past score, you'll know that returning a whip with a fuel tank that's just 90 percent full won't quite cut it, and you'll be stuck ponying up for your oversight. Thankfully -- at least at Enterprise -- a similar surcharge setup will not be applied to electric vehicles. Lisa Martini, a spokesperson for Enterprise, got in touch with us to clarify the outfit's plans, and they're shockingly consumer-friendly:
"[Enterprise] does not plan to charge customers for bringing back EVs without a full charge. Enterprise is installing charging stations at locations that will offer EVs, and plans to charge the vehicles once they're returned."
That pretty much sums it up for at least one major rental company, and we can only hope that everyone else publishes similar intentions before their accountants publish something to the contrary. Power to the people, eh?

Will rental car companies ding you for returning half-charged electric vehicles? Enterprise won't. originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobilecarchevroletchevy voltChevyVolteco-friendlyelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEnterpriseevfeegeneral motorsGeneralMotorsGMgreenrentrentalrental carrental carsRentalCarRentalCarssalessurchargevoltSat, 15 Jan 2011 12:41:00 EST<![CDATA[GM sheds a little more light on next-gen Volts and next-gen battery packs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/gm-sheds-a-little-more-light-on-next-gen-volts-and-next-gen-batt/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/gm-sheds-a-little-more-light-on-next-gen-volts-and-next-gen-batt/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/gm-sheds-a-little-more-light-on-next-gen-volts-and-next-gen-batt/#commentsGM sheds a little more light on next-gen Volts and next-gen battery packs Being locked in a car with General Motors representatives for the better part of a day gave us plenty of time to talk about... well, just about everything. On the list of topics was discussions about what's next for the company in the Volt space. Back then they said there'd be more of the things coming, and now they're giving a little more information, confirming that a hatchback and crossover SUV will be similarly electrified sometime within the next three years. A little further down the road GM will roll out its next-generation battery technology, currently under development at Argonne National Laboratories. These mixed-metal oxide batteries add nickel and cobalt to the battery cathode mix, while the cells themselves remain lithium-ion. This is said to double capacity of any given battery, meaning the Volt could go just as far with half the weight. Or, you know, twice as far with the same weight. Isn't math fun?

Update: Well, Autoweek is saying it's going to be a minivan, not a crossover -- though honestly there's not much difference there.

GM sheds a little more light on next-gen Volts and next-gen battery packs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argonne national laboratoryArgonneNationalLaboratorybatterychevroletchevygeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmlithium ionLithiumIonmixed metalMixedMetalvoltWed, 12 Jan 2011 13:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt named North American Car of the Year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/chevy-volt-named-north-american-car-of-the-year/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/chevy-volt-named-north-american-car-of-the-year/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/chevy-volt-named-north-american-car-of-the-year/#commentsChevy Volt named North American Car of the Year Electric? Hybrid? Series? Parallel? Who cares? The Chevrolet Volt, the very car that helped us flee a soggy and cold Washington D.C. last year, was just named North American Car of the Year at the North American International Auto Show by an independent panel of judges representing major media outlets. It bested other finalists, the Nissan Leaf and the Hyundai Sonata. The Volt has won despite scoring low marks in the swimsuit portion of the competition, but in its acceptance speech the Volt thanked all the little people and indicated it would spend the next 12 months working toward world peace and alternative drivetrain configurations for all.

Chevy Volt named North American Car of the Year originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 08:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car of the yearCarOfTheYearchevroletchevydetroit auto showDetroitAutoShowfeaturefeaturedfeaturesgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhybridnaiasnaias 2011Naias2011north american car of the yearNorthAmericanCarOfTheYearparallel hybridParallelHybridseries hybridSeriesHybridvoltMon, 10 Jan 2011 08:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: wind towers, viaduct power and how Four Loko will be recycled into gasoline]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/09/inhabitats-week-in-green-wind-towers-viaduct-power-and-how-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/09/inhabitats-week-in-green-wind-towers-viaduct-power-and-how-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/09/inhabitats-week-in-green-wind-towers-viaduct-power-and-how-fo/#commentsEach 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.

It was a monumental week for eco architecture as renewably-powered projects sprung up around the world. Japan unveiled plans for a massive new type of wind power tower, and we were wowed by a proposal to transform abandoned Italian viaducts into high-tech energy centers. We also showcased a solar-powered Dutch pavilion that can generate as much power as it consumes, and we were awestruck by one designer's plan for a crazy vertical skyscraper amusement park.

In other news, eco transportation blazed a trail as a student-designed solar car smashed a world speed record. The recently released Chevy Volt outsold the Nissan Leaf by a huge margin last month, and we took a look at a breakthrough battery tech that could enable electric vehicles to charge 40 times faster. We also saw efficient aviation take to the skies as Honda launched a new jet that consumes 20% less fuel than comparable planes, and speaking of jet fuel, this week we learned that banned Four Loko beverages are being recycled into engine-ready ethanol.

We also watched China light up the newswires with energy news as they announced the imminent construction of the world's largest solar plant and found a way extend the life of nuclear fuel by 60 times. Finally, this week we celebrated all of the hot new media tech at CES with a look at Lady Gaga's shutter-fly sunglasses, and we brought you a guide to how kids can use technology to create online media.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: wind towers, viaduct power and how Four Loko will be recycled into gasoline originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 09 Jan 2011 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architectureChevy VoltChevyVoltelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesethanolFour LokoFourLokoinhabitatinhabitats week in greenInhabitatsWeekInGreenLeafNissan LeafNissanLeafnuclear fuelnuclear powerNuclearFuelNuclearPowerrecycledsolar powerSolarPowerVoltweek in greenWeekInGreenwind powerWindPowerSun, 09 Jan 2011 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Enterprise to offer Chevy Volt in California, probably ding you for bringing it back half-charged]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/09/enterprise-to-offer-chevy-volt-in-california-probably-ding-you/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/09/enterprise-to-offer-chevy-volt-in-california-probably-ding-you/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/09/enterprise-to-offer-chevy-volt-in-california-probably-ding-you/#comments Not one to be one-upped by Hertz -- which already announced a plug-in rental program that'll include the almighty Tesla Roadster and the diminutive Smart Fortwo -- Enterprise Rent-A-Car has just announced that it'll be the first to offer Chevrolet's Volt later in the month. The company's Mark Christopher Auto Center in Ontario, California will have an undisclosed amount in stock for daily and weekly rentals, and it sounds as if it'll be grappling for more just as soon as they roll off of the production line. For those who can't quite make it down to the desert, Enterprise will be offering 500 Nissan Leaf vehicles nationwide, with charging stations already installed in Los Angeles, San Diego and Santa Monica. No word on what type of fee you'll be hit with when you bring it back with only 20 percent of the batteries charged, but you can rest assured the bigwigs at Enterprise are already thinking about it.

Update: Good news, everyone! Enterprise replied to us, and it won't be charging customers for bringing EVs back with less than a full charge. Huzzah!

Continue reading Enterprise to offer Chevy Volt in California, probably ding you for bringing it back half-charged

Enterprise to offer Chevy Volt in California, probably ding you for bringing it back half-charged originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 09 Jan 2011 01:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobilecarchevroletchevy voltChevyVolteco-friendlyelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEnterpriseevgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsGMgreenrental carrental carsRentalCarRentalCarsvoltSun, 09 Jan 2011 01:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy explains why two MPG numbers are better than one]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/23/chevy-explains-why-two-mpg-numbers-are-better-than-one/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/23/chevy-explains-why-two-mpg-numbers-are-better-than-one/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/23/chevy-explains-why-two-mpg-numbers-are-better-than-one/#comments So, are you confused about the presence of two MPG numbers on your newly delivered Volt? Fear not, the folks at GM are doing their best to educate the huddled masses about the Volt's industry-leading fuel economy, and just how the EPA arrived at the car's previously released 93MPG (electric equivalent) and 37MPG (straight gas, homey) ratings. No word on plans for a film explaining where the missing 137MPG went. Check the video after the break.

Continue reading Chevy explains why two MPG numbers are better than one

Chevy explains why two MPG numbers are better than one originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 08:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVolteco-friendlyelectricElectric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric-carElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleEVgmgm voltGmVoltgreenvideovoltThu, 23 Dec 2010 08:11:00 EST<![CDATA[GM making Volt parts from oil-soaked booms used in Louisiana, getting greener by the minute]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/gm-making-volt-parts-from-oil-soaked-booms-used-in-louisiana-ge/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/gm-making-volt-parts-from-oil-soaked-booms-used-in-louisiana-ge/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/gm-making-volt-parts-from-oil-soaked-booms-used-in-louisiana-ge/#commentsGM making Volt bumpers from oil-soaked booms used in Louisiana, getting greener by the minute You can be as jaded as you like, and trust us we've offered our own fair share of cynicism, but let's put that aside for a moment as we learn that General Motors is pulling in about 100 miles worth of oil-soaking booms, 100,000 pounds worth that would have otherwise gone into landfills, and turning them into stacks of plastic parts that will go under the hood and in the front bumper of the Chevrolet Volt. The booms of course come from the Louisiana coasts, where oil is still being collected despite the US media having collectively forgotten all about it. These 100 miles of booms will provide enough parts to outfit the entire first-year production Volts and, while we're sure this is as much a PR move as it is a practical or environmental one, we're going to go ahead and just call it a win-win.

GM making Volt parts from oil-soaked booms used in Louisiana, getting greener by the minute originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevygeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhybridhybrid vehicleHybridVehiclelouisianalouisiana oil spilLouisiana oil spillLouisianaOilSpilloilrecyclinvoltWed, 22 Dec 2010 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[British government confirms nine EVs eligible for £5,000 rebates, but there are really only six]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/british-government-confirms-nine-evs-eligible-for-5-000-rebates/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/british-government-confirms-nine-evs-eligible-for-5-000-rebates/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/british-government-confirms-nine-evs-eligible-for-5-000-rebates/#commentsBritish government confirms nine EVs eligible for £5,000 rebates, but there's really only eight Buy an electric vehicle in the US, like the Nissan Leaf, and you can expect to get a nice boost to your tax refund: a $7,500 federal subsidy. Now the UK is getting in on the cash back game, with a programme program starting on January 1st to offer a 25 percent discount on EVs purchased -- up to a maximum of £5,000. Nine cars have been declared eligible for this decidedly choice bonus:
Sure, the first three and the last two cars are effectively the same models, just with different bits of chrome stuck on the front, but a little badge engineering never hurt anybody.

British government confirms nine EVs eligible for £5,000 rebates, but there are really only six originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmperabritainChevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltCitroenCitroen CZeroCitroenCzeroCZeroelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevfourtwo electric driveFourtwoElectricDrivegovernment subsidyGovernmentSubsidyi-MiEViOnLeafMitsubishiMitsubishi i-MiEVMitsubishiI-mievNissan LeafNissanLeafPeugeotPeugeot iOnPeugeotIonPrius Plug-in HybridPriusPlug-inHybridSmartSmart fourtwo electric driveSmartFourtwoElectricDriveTataTata VistaTataVistatax rebatetax refundTaxRebateTaxRefundToyotaToyota Prius Plug-in HybridToyotaPriusPlug-inHybridukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomVauxallVauxall AmperaVauxallAmperaVistaVoltTue, 14 Dec 2010 15:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt starts shipping to customers, most of whom forgot they ordered one last decade]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/13/chevy-volt-starts-shipping-to-customers-most-of-whom-forgot-the/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/13/chevy-volt-starts-shipping-to-customers-most-of-whom-forgot-the/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/13/chevy-volt-starts-shipping-to-customers-most-of-whom-forgot-the/#comments Mark it down, folks -- it's a monumental day. In a way, this marks the end of one of the longest running sagas covered at Engadget, but in reality, it's probably the start of something else entirely. Chevrolet's Volt was once the starlet of the electric vehicle universe. And then 2009 happened. In the meanwhile, a smattering of other automakers have moved forward with hybrid and pure electric plans, with Tesla's Roadster heading out to thousands of motorists and Nissan's Leaf shipping to customers earlier this week (just to name a couple). Of course, GM still maintains that the Volt is the "world's first-and-only electric vehicle with extended-range capability," but we're sure a laundry list of rivals would love to argue that point. Regardless of the hurdles and hardships, Chevy has still managed to turn a far-flung concept into reality for around 160 people this week, and a slow but steady trickle of these things should continue for the foreseeable future. If you're wondering if placing an order is right for you, have a look at our most recent test drives.

Continue reading Chevy Volt starts shipping to customers, most of whom forgot they ordered one last decade

Chevy Volt starts shipping to customers, most of whom forgot they ordered one last decade originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 18:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevy voltChevyVoltdetroitelectric carElectricCarEVgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsGMgreenvoltMon, 13 Dec 2010 18:12:00 EST<![CDATA[CE-Oh no he didn't!: GM's Dan Akerson says he 'wouldn't be caught dead in a Prius']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/12/ce-oh-no-he-didnt-gms-dan-akerson-says-he-wouldnt-be-caugh/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/12/ce-oh-no-he-didnt-gms-dan-akerson-says-he-wouldnt-be-caugh/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/12/ce-oh-no-he-didnt-gms-dan-akerson-says-he-wouldnt-be-caugh/#comments
Think GM's CEO sees the Toyota Prius as a worthy competitor that, in many ways, paved the way for the Chevy Volt? Think again. Speaking to the Economic Club of Washington, D.C. this week, GM CEO Dan Akerson described Toyota's hybrid as a "geek-mobile," and flatly declared that he "wouldn't be caught dead in a Prius." Not surprisingly, it didn't long for Toyota to respond to that slam, with a company spokesman telling The New York Times that "Toyota has sold more than two million Prius hybrids worldwide, and counting. Those buyers can't all be geeks." What's most troubling to us about all of this, however, is the implication that a "geek-mobile" is somehow a bad thing -- it sounds pretty awesome to us... geeks.

CE-Oh no he didn't!: GM's Dan Akerson says he 'wouldn't be caught dead in a Prius' originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Dec 2010 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ce oh noce oh no he didnt gmCeOhNoCeOhNoHeDidntGmchevroletchevychevy voltChevyVoltgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmpriustoyotatoyota priusToyotaPriusvoltSun, 12 Dec 2010 23:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: electric vehicles gear up to race, Apple's new HQ, and living architecture]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/12/inhabitats-week-in-green-electric-vehicles-gear-up-to-race-ap/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/12/inhabitats-week-in-green-electric-vehicles-gear-up-to-race-ap/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/12/inhabitats-week-in-green-electric-vehicles-gear-up-to-race-ap/#commentsEach 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.

This week we revved up Chevrolet's Volt and hit the streets for an elusive test drive of the hotly-anticipated electric vehicle. We also saw electric aviation soar to new heights as the pint-sized Cri-Cri airplane broke the electric aircraft speed record. The world of EV racing is also picking up the pace as GreenGT unveiled an all-electric supercar for the Le Mans race and Honda's CR-Z Hybrid beat out scores of gas-guzzling autos in a 25 hour vehicular marathon.

High-tech architecture broke new ground as Apple announced that world-renowned architect Norman Foster is designing its new headquarters, and researchers revealed work on a living skin that could one day reinforce buildings and infrastructure with a hard, coral-like armored coating. We also watched as a crop of gorgeous bubble gardens popped up in the streets of Paris, and an abandoned warehouse in Brooklyn was updated with a high-tech transforming facade.

In other news, this week the energy world was buzzing about a new type of organic solar cell inspired by wasp exoskeletons, and the largest photovoltaic plant in the United States officially opened in Nevada. We also saw several eco technologies take hold on the home front: researchers developed a hot solar-piezoelectric hybrid fiber that could be used to create energy-generating clothes, and Lavish & Lime rolled out a cute set of digital shower timers that are perfect for kids.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: electric vehicles gear up to race, Apple's new HQ, and living architecture originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airplaneApplearchitectureChevy VoltChevyVoltCR-ZCri-Cridesignelectric aircraftelectric airplaneElectric carelectric vehicleElectricAircraftElectricAirplaneElectricCarElectricVehicleflightGreenGTHonda CR-ZHondaCr-zinhabitatinhabitats week in greenInhabitatsWeekInGreenLe MansLeMansNorman FosterNormanFosterVoltweek in greenWeekInGreenSun, 12 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2011 Chevrolet Volt: constructed from start to finish in two mind-melting minutes (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/2011-chevrolet-volt-constructed-from-start-to-finish-in-two-min/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/2011-chevrolet-volt-constructed-from-start-to-finish-in-two-min/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/2011-chevrolet-volt-constructed-from-start-to-finish-in-two-min/#comments It took half a score to actually get real, but did you know that it takes but two minutes to construct a 2011 Chevrolet Volt? Okay, we lied -- one minute, fifty-five seconds. Hit play below to enter what Kenny Loggins would describe as "The Danger Zone."

Continue reading 2011 Chevrolet Volt: constructed from start to finish in two mind-melting minutes (video)

2011 Chevrolet Volt: constructed from start to finish in two mind-melting minutes (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 21:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 Chevrolet Volt2011ChevroletVoltautomobilecarchevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevyconstructioneco-friendlygeneral motorsGeneralMotorsGMgreenhybridhybrid carHybridCarvideovoltThu, 02 Dec 2010 21:50:00 EST<![CDATA[2011 Chevy Volt gets stickered: 93MPG on battery, 37MPG on gasoline]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/26/2011-chevy-volt-gets-stickered-93mpg-on-battery-37mpg-on-gasol/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/26/2011-chevy-volt-gets-stickered-93mpg-on-battery-37mpg-on-gasol/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/26/2011-chevy-volt-gets-stickered-93mpg-on-battery-37mpg-on-gasol/#comments The poster child for the electric car has just received its official EPA sticker, merely days after Nissan's Leaf received its own. The Volt has been found to have a 93MPG equivalent when running purely on batteries, while one could expect an average of 37MPG when using petrol alone. According to the EPA, the Volt will only be capable of cruising 35 miles on a full charge (here's hoping you've got a socket at your workplace, right?), but the overall range of 379 miles ain't too shabby for a car of this size. The good news here is that this sticker will enable General Motors to finally get these automobiles onto showroom floors, but the bad news is pretty obvious: 93 definitely isn't 230.

Continue reading 2011 Chevy Volt gets stickered: 93MPG on battery, 37MPG on gasoline

2011 Chevy Volt gets stickered: 93MPG on battery, 37MPG on gasoline originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 02:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobilecarchevroletchevychevy voltChevyVolteco-friendlyelectric carElectricCarepafuel economyFuelEconomygasgas mileageGasMileagegreenhybridhybrid carHybridCarmileagempgvoltFri, 26 Nov 2010 02:50:00 EST<![CDATA[GE buying 25,000 electric vehicles by 2015, nearly half to be Chevy Volts]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/15/ge-buying-25-000-electric-vehicles-by-2015-nearly-half-to-be-ch/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/15/ge-buying-25-000-electric-vehicles-by-2015-nearly-half-to-be-ch/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/15/ge-buying-25-000-electric-vehicles-by-2015-nearly-half-to-be-ch/#commentsGE buying 25,000 electric vehicles by 2015, half of those to be Chevy Volts The General needs a new ride, and he doesn't roll light. GE has announced a plan to purchase 25,000 electric vehicles worldwide by 2015, starting with a grab of 12,000 Chevy Volts, the car we recently got very comfortable with. As we've learned that model is hardly an EV in a pure sense of the term, but it certainly offers the flexibility that a fleet like this will need while the infrastructure required to support your Leafs and the like is built up -- an infrastructure which, by the way, GE is pledging to help develop as well.

Continue reading GE buying 25,000 electric vehicles by 2015, nearly half to be Chevy Volts

GE buying 25,000 electric vehicles by 2015, nearly half to be Chevy Volts originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevyelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevgegeneral electricgeneral motorsGeneralElectricGeneralMotorsgmvoltMon, 15 Nov 2010 23:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt preview: escape from DC in today's car of tomorrow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/05/chevy-volt-preview-escape-from-dc-in-todays-car-of-tomorrow/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/05/chevy-volt-preview-escape-from-dc-in-todays-car-of-tomorrow/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/05/chevy-volt-preview-escape-from-dc-in-todays-car-of-tomorrow/#commentsChevy Volt: Escape from DC in today's car of tomorrow Okay, we're no Snake Plissken, but let's just say that DC has become something of an interesting town lately, with mock-left and faux-right wing pundits holding giant rallies, political candidates being accused of witchcraft, and various other signs of the apocalypse happening every day. We were glad to make it out with both eyes and we were glad to be doing so in the car of the future that's finally a part of the present: Chevrolet's $41,000 Volt. It's actually (honestly) in proper production now, being delivered to select dealers soon, one of those production models given to us to drive from our great nation's capital to the cultural capital of the world: New York City. We easily managed it on a single tank of gas, but what kind of mileage did we get? You'll just have to read on to find out.

Gallery: Chevrolet Volt DC test drive

Continue reading Chevy Volt preview: escape from DC in today's car of tomorrow

Chevy Volt preview: escape from DC in today's car of tomorrow originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevyelectric vehicleElectricVehicleer-evevextended range electric vehicleExtendedRangeElectricVehiclefeaturefeaturedfeaturesgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmparallel hybridParallelHybridpreviewseries hybridSeriesHybridtest driveTestDrivevideovoltFri, 05 Nov 2010 12:04:00 EST