Plug-In

One of the great hopes behind electrified vehicles is reduced dependence of not only foreign oil, but all polluting energy sources. In a step towards that greater goal, Ford announced that they have teamed up with solar energy panel manufacturer SunPower. While not the first domestic manufacturer to team up with a solar energy provider (GM recently announced a $7.5million investment in Sunlogics), they are the first to provide a customer-centric solution towards decreased grid-dependence. The fruit of the team up is a ...

BMW has recently unveiled concept versions of its upcoming i3 and i8 electric vehicles. The i3 is a subcompact hatchback, while the i8 is a sports coupe with a range-extender hybrid drive system. Intriguingly, BMW has designed the i3 with a range-extender version as an optional drivetrain. That model has been called the REx in BMW's press literature. The i3 is the fruit of the Megacity Vehicle project, which showcases BMW’s direction for the 21st century. The i8’s aerodynamic coupe form was ...

When BMW announced the lottery for electric Minis, it found itself awash in interested people all clamoring to get their chance to be early adopters of electric cars. The success of the program, and the bounty of lessons learned have been channeled into a different BMW product, with the same aim of tailoring future BMW EV products to best fit consumer needs. The current offering is the BMW ActiveE, a 1-series based pure electric built to further hone the lessons necessary to ...

During a dealer meeting held in Las Vegas on June 29th, Toyota announced a launch date of the highly anticipated Scion IQ city car with a fully electric drivetrain. While knowledge of this compact hatchback has been making the rounds of the internet for a few months, up til now Toyota had declined to offer a release date. The IQ city car has been on sale since 2008 in Japan, and has impressed critics with its novel packaging (3+1 occupants within a ...

Have you ever talked to your car, or given it a name? Most people have probably known someone who nicknamed their Beetle “Daisy” or call their old beater by a funny nickname. Most of us have some sort of presence in social networking too, with accounts on Facebook and Twitter or other platforms of the social networking diaspora. Toyota has taken the initiative to introduce social networking for Toyota owners in a project called “Toyota Friend.”In a strategic alliance with San Francisco-based ...

REVA, an automobile company based in Bangalore, India, is preparing to launch its own plug-in models, except with a twist.  Shown off at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, and scheduled for production early this year, the NXR, a 3-door, four-seater hatchback, will have a range of about 100 miles and a top speed of 65 mph.  The NXG (shown above) will sport a top speed of 80 mph and a range of 125 miles.  Both of these car models will feature REVive, ...

Late in 2011, Toyota Motor Corp will launch a hybrid sub-compact and broaden its electric car line-up. The vehicle will be available for 1.5 million yen, or $15,760. Government tax breaks, subsidies on cleaner technology, and an increasing demand for gasoline-electric vehicles have promoted EVs in Japan greatly.  Toyota may have future plans to produce the new hybrid model in France as well, to cater to a European market. According to a Japanese newspaper, Asahi Shimbun, the new hybrid compact by Toyota will ...

The Renew America Roadtrip, hosted by the Element Hotel Summerlin, has dual functions: It aims to promote electric cars and public awareness in renewable green technologies.  And, in addition, the event has the intention to raise funds for various charities, such as the Autism Society of America. Touted as America's first ever electric coast-to-coast trip, the journey initiated from New York City on Wednesday July 15th and is scheduled to end in San Francisco on the 31st. With the aim of attracting ...

The All-Electric Mini E The exclusive leasing program of BMW's all-electric vehicles (Mini Es) has created quite a buzz. After all, only 450 models exist. Now, through a draw in a lottery, 4 lucky Californian municipalities, including Glendora, Diamond Bar, West Covina and Azusa, hit the jackpot as they were selected to participate in BMW's first ever EV pilot program. Each township will receive two of the two-seater Mini Cooper look-alikes. Moreover, while other lessees shell out $850/month, the winners will only be ...