Plug-In

With many manufacturers now releasing hybrid-equipped cars, the next wave of interest has been plug-in models spun off these products. GM leads the fray, with the Chevrolet Volt becoming an increasingly common sight on American roads. GM’s Cadillac luxury brand has made a significant splash with the announcement of the ELR Coupe based off the Volt’s powertrain. Not to be outdone, Toyota recently confirmed a 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV). While not a series hybrid in the sense of the GM Voltec ...

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 ...

To date, the development of hybrids and EVs has focused mainly on prosaic, and affordable cars for the masses, and to a lesser extent augmented luxury cars for a more fortunate few. Come 2013 however, the hybrid world’s range will expand exponentially with the release of the most advanced and powerful hybrid cars the world has yet seen.Porsche, the famed maker of iconic sports cars (and less iconic but highly sought after sedans and SUVs) will start delivery of the 918 Spyder ...

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 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 ...

Not to be outdone by its competitors, Volvo has announced its own hybrid electric car due in... 2012.  This would put it behind four other auto companies we're tracking that have a release date of 2010, however in return for an extra couple of years of waiting, users will have the ability to drive a plug-in with a diesel engine. The engine will release less than 50 grams/km.  of carbon dioxide emissions (using the NEDC standard).  According to Volvo, this would qualify it ...

The bankrupt Chrysler has submitted a proposal to the Department of Energy to match the $224 million that it and its partners plan on devoting to the development and production of plug-in automobiles.  The funds would fall under the DOE's program designed to promote the United States' electric vehicle infrastructure. Of the $448 million total allotment, Chrysler plans on using up to $83 million to construct an R&D/manufacturing hub in Michigan. The remaining $365 million would be used towards unveiling ...

As the price of oil spiked to $150/barrel, car shoppers and the media began focusing on fuel efficiency ratings. For gasoline-powered vehicles, the number that is important is the 'Miles per Gallon' (or 'Kilometers per Liter' outside of the US and UK), the distance one unit of gasoline takes you. The United States EPA has a protocol that it follows to test the MPG ratings of various automobiles, providing a convenient way for making comparisons. However, when considering electric vehicles, the ...

In an interview with Prabhakar Patil, the Chief Executive of Compact Power, the battery maker claims that his company is on track to providing lithium-ion batteries to power GM's upcoming Volt plug-in vehicle. Despite the financial troubles of the U.S. automaker, Patil says that he has not noticed any loss of commitment, claiming that "From GM's side, it's their highest priority program."  Compact Power is a subsidiary of  LG Chem, Ltd., a South Korean battery supplier. This statement, coming from a close supplier with ...