Category Archives: alternative fuels

Nissan Cuts Leaf EV Price by $6400 on U.S.-Assembled Model

Nissan announced that pricing for the 2013 Leaf electric vehicle starts at $28,800 for the newly-added S grade – think SALE – making it the lowest priced five-passenger electric vehicle sold in the United States. The least expensive 2012 Leaf had a starting price of $35,200 without taxpayer subsidies. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn’s 20,000-unit sales target for the Leaf in 2012 was missed by 50%, and fewer than 10,000 were also sold in 2011. He previously said electric vehicles would account for 10% or more of global auto sales by 2020, a prediction that is viewed as fantasy by other automaker CEOs. Continue reading

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European Bid for 48-Volt Cars Finally to be Noted in U.S. at NAIAS

Johnson Controls will show a 48-volt Micro Hybrid battery system using a traditional 12-volt lead-acid battery and a 48-volt Lithium-ion battery at NAIAS next week. As AutoInformed has reported, the technology is well underway in Europe with cars expected to be on the road this year. Continue reading

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Non-Spy Shot – Cadillac ELR Photographed in Southern California

General Motors has released this photograph of a Cadillac ELR hybrid electric vehicle, which will be revealed with nicer paint at the 2013 North American International Auto Show next week. Continue reading

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Nissan to Add 15 Hybrid Models by 2016

Nissan Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga said today in Yokohama that the Japanese automaker plans to add 15 hybrid models by 2016. Long decried by Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, who is betting billions through the Renault Nissan Alliance to develop and sell electric vehicles after he dismissed Toyota’s early hybrid efforts, the Number Two Japanese maker is finally bowing to the reality that hybrids are a short-term solution to increasing fuel economy that buyers will consider. Continue reading

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EPA to Review Consumer Reports Data Claiming Ford C-Max and Fusion MPG Claims are Bogus in Real World Driving

The U.S. Environmental Protection agency will review Consumer Reports data claiming that Ford’s 47 mpg hybrid mileage claims were not realistic during real world – as opposed to computerized dynamometer – driving conditions. Continue reading

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Japanese, South Korean Automakers to offer Fuel Cell EVs by 2015

Japanese and South Korean automakers are optimistic about commercializing fuel cell electric vehicles by 2015, according to a new study. Mercedes-Benz is also known to be pursuing the advanced technology that in theory is emission free with demonstration units due in 2014. Continue reading

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Exhaust Gas Regen and 48-Volt Cars – Next Efficiency Breakthrough?

European automakers are rethinking the need for 12-volt cars. This move toward 48 volts, little noted in the U.S. media, has significant implications for a new generation of potentially cost-effective mild or semi-mild hybrid vehicles. A 48-volt standard could be a major factor for enabling the required motor-generator efficiency and power levels to make a practical hybrid at a lower cost. Continue reading

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Chevrolet Volt Owners Surpass 100 Million Electric Miles

General Motors said today that Chevrolet Volt owners collectively have driven more than 100 million all-electric miles since the hybrid went on sale two years ago this month. The average Volt owner travels more than 65% of the time in pure electric mode, using the gasoline-engine generator for longer trips. Continue reading

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Chevrolet Spark EV $25,000 after Federal Subsidy of $7,500

The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV will be priced under $25,000 with tax incentives when it goes on sale starting next summer in California, Oregon, Canada and South Korea. Spark EV will be eligible for controversial high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes in California. The price is roughly twice that of a gasoline powered minicar, and that’s with incentives. Continue reading

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Food Fight over Ethanol as Special Interest Groups Trade Charges

Two special interest groups are sparing in public over the cost implications of a long-standing federal energy policy that mandates the use of ethanol and ever increasing amounts of bio-fuels in an attempt to free the United States from importing oil sold by terrorist supporting nations. In 2012 about 9% of all transportation fuel used will be from so-called renewable sources. Continue reading

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Louisiana Generating to Pay $14 Million for Clean Air Act Violations

Louisiana Generating has agreed to a settlement under the Clean Air Act at its Big Cajun II coal-fired power plant in New Roads, which will result in the elimination of more than 27,300 tons of harmful emissions per year Continue reading

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Coda Automotive Offers Level 2 EV Charger as Incentive

n the latest attempt to boost slow EV sales, Californian-based Coda is offering a $2,000 level 2 charging station to buyers of its compact sedan. The 31kWh 2012 Coda sedan, which is built in China from an old Mitsubishi Gallant platform, has a suggested retail price of $37,250. In California, the only place thus far Codas are available, federal and individual state tax subsidies and credits can bring the price down to $27,250 before the promotion. Continue reading

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GM, ABB Demonstrate Chevrolet Volt Battery Reuse for Backup Power

General Motors and ABB today showed that by repackaging five used Chevrolet Volt batteries into a modular unit, it is in theory capable of providing two hours of electricity for three to five U.S. homes. General Motors will have up to 500,000 vehicles on the road with some form of electrification by 2017 with a focus on plug-in technology, the company’s top product development executive said Wednesday. Continue reading

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Spark Plug-in EV to Debut in La-La Land at Los Angeles Show

Chevrolet will unveil the electric version of the Spark minicar at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month. No technical details for the EV were released. The South Korean-made Spark EV will be sold in limited quantities in some U.S. and global markets, starting in 2013 in California. Continue reading

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Honda Motor Unveils Tiny EV in Tokyo – Micro Commuter

Honda Motor Company today unveiled a Micro Commuter Prototype, a tiny limited distance electric vehicle. Honda said the EV was developed in response for micro-sized mobility products that are currently being discussed under a government initiative from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in Japan. The EV also could comply with regulations for the L7 category in Europe, which is actually a motorcycle category for vehicles that weigh 400 kg or less, excluding the weight of the battery and have an electric motor output of 15 kW or less. Continue reading

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