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Hiriko: The MIT-backed, Spanish 'folding' EV that wants to make cities bigger
Meet Hiriko, an EV that's the fruit of a collaboration between MIT, Basque businesses and the Spanish government. It might look like the rest of those sci-fi Jetson-style concepts, but it has a few tricks up its wheel-arches. Rather than a regular configuration, the bubble-esque ride has four independent in-wheel motors. Also, when you're ready to park this thing, the back section slides forward, "folding" the cabin up vertically -- a feat the makers claim will see it occupy only two-thirds of the space taken by a Smart ForTwo. Other neat features include a single front-opening door and joystick controls (rather than a plain old steering wheel). There's no details on range, mph and charge speed, but 20 test vehicles are being built at a reported cost of $16,253 each. There's no hint at what this will translate to in sticker price when it goes into production next year, but with the initial trials taking place imminently, it looks like Hiriko (meaning "of the city") could be a feature in your city quite soon.
Tesla is racing to the finish line for Model S prep, talks up 'Supercharging'
Despite losing two of its big kahunas, electric car maker Tesla is stepping on the throttle of its new Model S project like a battery-powered bat out of hell. While recently doing some 'splainin with Autoblog, Tesla Vice President of Communications Ricardo Reyes confirmed that initial deliveries of the four-door sedan are still on track for mid-2012 in the United States, followed by a European launch six months later. Reyes also talked up the creation of Supercharging locations to help long-driving Model S users with higher-capacity 60kWh and 85kWh batteries charge their car from 10 percent to 90 percent in 45 minutes -- Model S cars with the lower-end 40kWh battery won't be able to Supercharge, though. Tesla already announced a tax-credit fueled $49,900 price tag for the base model in December. Folks who prefer their electric vehicle to come with some more chest hair will be happy to know that the Feb. 9 unveiling of the seven-seat Model X SUV is still on track.
Coda announces cheaper, worse version of bland all-electric sedan
We know what you're thinking: Coda's all-electric sedan is getting another price cut? No plebes, instead of slashing the price, it's opting instead to release a lower-ranged variant of the $39,900 car for $2,650 less. Those savings net a smaller 31kWh battery which'll go 125 miles on a charge -- 5kWh and 25 miles less than its more expensive brother. That equates to a real-world starting price of under thirty grand after federal rebates take effect. Last we checked, we can't think of anyone wanting less range, but maybe with its lower starting price it'll generate enough buzz to hit those lofty sales goals.
Tesla confirms Model S pricing and options: $49,900 and up after tax credits
Tesla Motors has talked a fair bit about pricing for its Model S sedan over the past couple of years, but it's now finally set things in stone. US pricing for the base model will start at $49,900, although that's only after you factor in the $7,500 federal tax credit. As Tesla notes, that's the very same pricing that the company first promised way back when the car was unveiled in 2009, but it does come with a few trade-offs (more on that later). Opting for that base model will get you 40 kWh battery, along with 19-inch wheels and the 17-inch touchscreen that's included on all models (complete with a number of connectivity options). The standard Model S can also be upgraded to a 60kWh or 85kWh package for an extra $10,000 and $20,000, respectively (including other performance improvements), while the top-of-the-line Model S Performance option starts at $79,900 (also after the tax credit). Somewhat curiously, while that stand-out touchscreen is standard on all models, you'll have to add the $3,750 tech package if you want built-in navigation and other options like a high definition back-up camera. You can price things out for yourself and check out all of the customizations options at the source link below.
Coda lowers price of electric sedan, sends it into production ahead of 2012 launch
Coda Automotive has set some lofty goals for its forthcoming all-electric sedan, and this week, it began pursuing them. On Tuesday, the upstart manufacturer confirmed that production of its 2012 Coda Sedan is already underway, with the first deliveries scheduled to roll out in January. With an estimated range of 150 miles, the sedan will also be powered by a 36-kWh battery pack, providing it with 134 horsepower. Most intriguing, however, is the car's new price, which now sits at $39,900, compared with the $44,900 price tag announced earlier. That puts it well within range of competitors like the Ford Focus Electric and Nissan Leaf, though as Coda's Thomas Hausch explained to AutoblogGreen, the change isn't exactly a "price drop," since the Sedan hasn't actually been sold at its earlier price point. Technicalities aside, it's now cheaper than previously expected, which is all that really matters for your bottom line. Full PR after the break.
Varley's evR450 all-electric supercar set to hit Australian roads next year
As Autoblog Green points out, Australia's Varley Electric Vehicles is known more for bulky industrial vehicles than high-end sports cars, but the company's now looking to change that perception with its new all-electric evR450 supercar. While it'll no doubt turn a few heads simply standing still, it also looks to measure up reasonably well under the hood, boasting a top speed of 200 kilometers per hour (or 124 MPH) and a zero to 100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds. The company's also promising a range of 150 kilometers (or 93 miles) that can be doubled with an optional range-extension pack, although its not letting anyone actually drive the car just yet (or even look under the hood, for that matter). As for a price, Varley's saying that the base package will come in "below" $200,000 Australian dollars (or about $213,000 US), and it says it could roll out "as early as January 2012."
GM puts Spark EV all-electric vehicle into production, begins development of next-gen EN-V concept
GM has already done a fair bit of talking about electric vehicles this year, but it's not done just yet. The company announced this week that it will be producing an all-electric version of its Spark mini-car -- to be dubbed the Spark EV -- into production, with the first vehicles set to roll out sometime in 2013 (including "limited quantities" in the US). Complete details on the vehicle are otherwise still a bit light, but GM says it will use nanophosphate lithium-ion battery provided by A123 Systems. What's more, while there's no word on it going into production, GM has also confirmed that it's begun development of its next-generation EN-V concept vehicle, and that it will sport a Chevrolet badge this time around. As you may recall from our test ride, the existing EN-V is already plenty futuristic, so it'll be interesting to see what the automaker comes up with next. Head on past the break for a video of the Spark.
Ford Focus Electric hooks up wirelessly with AT&T, incurs jealous looks from T-Mobile
AT&T is keeping up its wheeling and dealing this week, signing an agreement with Ford to provide the built-in wireless connectivity for its upcoming Focus Electric hatchback. The deal's pretty simple, really. Ford has put together a comprehensive MyFord Mobile application to go with its EV, which will allow you to keep track of and schedule charging, while also serving up status notifications, range information, and nearby recharging stations' locations, the latter facility being provided with the help of MapQuest. All that data exchange will need a nice dumb pipe to carry it between the Focus and your smartphone and AT&T is obligingly fulfilling that role -- and don't worry if your phone doesn't support the app (works with Android, BlackBerry and iOS), Ford's got a web interface too. Full PR after the break.
BMW's all-electric i3 city car gets captured on video
Been wondering when BMW's all-electric i3 city car would turn up on video ever since its bigger, sportier counterpart did its thing last week? Well, here's your answer. The folks from GMotors recently managed to catch the pint-sized car doing a bit of drifting at the same cold weather test location in Sweden that the i8 was spotted at, and it certainly looks like the 150 horsepower vehicle could be a fun little car to drive. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like you'll be able to take one for a spin yourself anytime soon, as it's not expected to go on sale until 2013 (at a cost of around $40,000). Head on past the break for the video.
Artega SE electric sports car lines up to challenge Tesla Roadster
The Tesla Roadster may not have many competitors that you can actually buy at the moment, but it looks like it can count on a bit of a challenge from German automaker Artega. It debuted its new Artega SE (short for Sport Electric) at the Geneva Motor Show recently, and it says it plans to produce 500 of them a year starting in 2012 at a cost of €150,000 apiece, or just over $200,000. In addition to some good looks, that will buy you a pair of rear-mounted electric motors that combine for 375 horsepower and a top speed "well over" 155MPH, along with a 37 kW lithium polymer battery that promises to let you "comfortably achieve" 124 miles under normal driving conditions. Of particular note, Artega says that the battery can be fully recharged in just 90 minutes using a commercial charging station, although it can of course also be charged at a slower rate at home. Still no word on availability outside of Europe, although if you're dropping two hundred grand on a car we're guessing the import costs won't pose too much of a problem.
Green Automotive's all-electric Zotye SUV gets closer to US roads
We haven't heard a ton out of Texas-based Green Automotive, but it looks like it's now getting fairly close to actually selling its all-electric SUV in the US. That vehicle is already produced and sold in China, but Green Automotive has signed an exclusive agreement with Zotye to bring it to the US, and it's now also brought on Roush Industries to provide structural and vehicle engineering support as it begins a four-step phase to meet or exceed the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. As for the SUV itself, it packs a 25.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that promises a range of up to 150 miles, and you'll apparently be able to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 70 miles per hour. If all goes as planned, you'll be able to buy one by the end of this year, though there's no indication of a price just yet. Head on past the break for a quick test drive video. Update: According to CNET, pricing is expected to start around $30,000. [Thanks, James]
Fremont Motors shows off Fido electric scooter prototype
Most scooters are generally a bit offbeat in appearance, but Seattle's Fremont Motors has truly gone the extra mile with its new, all-electric Fido prototype. That eye-catching design also incorporates a good bit of practicality, however, including wheels that are the same size and can be easily removed, a battery beneath the floorboard that can also be easily replaced (and charged indoors), and even a removable storage case under the seat that can be worn as a backpack. In terms of performance, you can expect to get a range of up to 35 miles on a charge, and hit a top speed of 45 mph. Of course, it is still just a prototype, but Fremont Motors is planning a "limited" in the third quarter of next year, with the scooter expected to run $5,000. Head on past the break for a look at the (stationary) scooter on video. [Image: orinoneill / Flickr]
Coda sets target of 50,000 electric vehicles sold by 2015, mostly in the US
Upstart Coda Automotive may not have met its original goal to start selling its all-electic sedan in California by the end of 2010, but that's not stopping it from making some other fairly bold projections. Apparently, the company is now on track to begin selling the car in the US sometime in the second half of this year, and it's set a target of 10,000 to 14,000 cars sold in the first 12 months after its launch, and a full 50,000 sold by 2015 -- all mostly in the United States. As for the car itself, it doesn't look like a whole lot has changed lately -- it'll run you $37,400 after the federal tax savings, and give you a range of between 90 and 120 miles on a charge from its lithium iron phosphate battery, which can be fully topped off in just six hours. You can already reserve one at the link below if that sounds like the electric car you've been waiting for.
Smart shows off Forspeed electric roadster concept
We've got some good news and some bad news for folks eager for a sportier, all-electric Smart vehicle. The good news is that parent company Mercedes-Benz has just taken the wraps of its brand new Smart Forspeed concept vehicle, which will make its debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. It's a compact, all-electric roadster that promises a top speed of 75 miles per hour, a range of 84 miles on a charge (which, incidentally, can be done using a normal 220 volt socket), and a luxury interior that even includes a special smartphone housing. The bad news? The company is saying up front that it "won't make production," but that "elements of the car will be carried over into future projects." Hit up the link below for a closer look.
BMW puts a range-extending ICE in its Megacity EV, provides tonic for your range anxiety
When we first left the safe confines of our parents' home, many of us experienced separation anxiety. As we grow older, we suffer from disconnection anxiety -- and no, iPhone owners, that doesn't refer to your fear of dropped calls. Now, BMW is combating our range anxiety, or fear of being stranded when your car's batteries run out of juice, by putting an internal combustion range extender in its Megacity EV. BMW is taking a page out of the Chevy Volt's playbook by placing a small ICE in its EV that doubles the range of the vehicle from 50 to 100 miles -- all in an effort to assuage the (irrational?) fears of its potential US customers. The gasoline generator will be an option for those who wish to venture beyond the city limits, so if you want to keep it totally green you can still do so. Our Bavarian friends won't be bringing the Megacity to market until 2013, so that should give you enough time to decide if you want to hasten the death of the ICE or prolong its life a bit longer.
Toyota to show off iQ EV prototype, put it into production next year
Toyota has been showing off an electric vehicle concept based on its iQ ultra-compact for a couple of years now, but it looks like it's finally worked up enough confidence to actually put it into production. The first step down that road will occur at the Geneva Motor Show next month, where Toyota will show off a "near-production" prototype of its iQ EV (not necessarily the actual name), which is apparently much like its FT-EV concept, but with an improved lithium-ion battery pack that promises a range of 105 kilometers (or 65 miles) on a single charge. Assuming all goes as planned, the car will then be put into production following some additional testing later this year, and Toyota will reportedly begin leasing it to consumers at some point in 2012 -- Europe seems to be first in line for the car, but it will apparently be headed to North America as well.
Etox plans all-electric Zafer sportscar, could sell for around $20,000
It may not be ready to challenge Tesla just yet, but it looks like Turkish automaker Etox is about to get into the all-electric sportscar business with a vehicle that could cost considerably less than much of its competition. The company is reportedly now working on an electric prototype of its Zafer sportscar, and it says the car could run for as low as 30,000 to 35,000 Turkish lira (or roughly $19,000 to $22,000) when it eventually hits showrooms. Unfortunately, while the car will apparently boast a respectable 250 kilometer range, it isn't quite as fast as it looks -- the company says it'll top out at just 120 kilometers per hour, or 75 mph. It also looks like those plans for an actual production vehicle are still far from certain, as Etox is reportedly still waiting on government funding to get the assembly line moving.
SWIGZ electric racing bike bests internal combustion competition, mostly (video)
Make room, Brammo, MotoCzysz, and Mission Motors, there's a new motorcycle from Chip Yates and SWIGZ Pro Racing looking to join the electric bi-wheeled racing elite. The bike is doing its best to hasten the demise of the ICE with a 194hp DC motor (50+hp more than its EV brethren), putting down 295 ft-lbs of torque, which carried it to second- and third-place finishes against gas-powered competition in the WERA Heavyweight Twins Superstock and Superbike races at Auto Club Speedway in California on January 9th. Also on board is a first-of-its-kind front wheel KERS system that recharges the batteries en route to give the motor the juice it needs to hit racing speeds of up to 158mph. For those who'd like to own such an engineering marvel, keep dreaming, as Mr. Yates states the bike is a technical showcase that's not meant for production. However, patents are pending on the KERS technology and the plan is to license it out -- so gearheads can have a similar bike eventually -- for a not-so-insignificant sum, we'd imagine. See the bike in action after the break.
BYD Motors to debut e6 Premier, S6DM plug-in vehicles at the Detroit Auto Show
China's BYD came out of nowhere in early 2009 to debut a MID / phone running Windows XP, but consumer electronics are just one arm (actually spun off) of the relatively young mega-corporation. Its BYD Motors division has also been working on various plug-in vehicles for the past few years, and it's now set to roll into the Detroit Auto Show next month with two new models. Those include the all-electric e6 Premier crossover, and the S6DM dual-mode plug-in hybrid SUV, the former of which promises a range of 300 kilometers and a top speed of 140km/h, while the latter can eek out 60 kilometers solely on electric power or close to 500 kilometers when the 2.0L gasoline engine comes into play. What's more, the company is apparently also promising a US launch announcement of some sort, although Autoblog Green suspects that will involve the earlier F3DM hybrid (pictured above), which has already begun testing in California, and the E6 electric crossover. Head on past the break for the full press release.
Reva's text-to-recharge electric car rolls to a standstill the US
Remember the electric car with the ingenious hook of a reserve battery that can only be accessed in the case of an emergency by texting or calling the car's manufacturer? Well, it appears that the project is having a bit of trouble getting off the ground in the US, though it shockingly doesn't have anything to do with that flagship feature. As the story goes, upstart Bannon Automotive signed a deal with the car's manufacturer, India-based Reva Electric Car Company, that gave it the exclusive license to manufacture and sell the car in the US, but Bannon is now alleging that Reva broke its agreements and says it's been left with no choice but to take legal action. Ill-conceived feature aside, the stakes in the lawsuit are fairly high, as Bannon Automotive was actually formed with the sole intention of bringing the Reva electric car to the US, and it had hoped to bring as many as 250 jobs to Onondaga County, New York.
