Category Archives: electric vehicles

Lexus Debuts New LS Flagship Sedan Tonight in San Francisco

Posted on 30 July 2012 by Ken Zino

The original Lexus full-size sedan – the 1990 model LS 400 – caught the Germans by surprise with its combination of high quality, silky smooth ride, and a price that undercut competing Mercedes-Benz and BMW sedans by $10,000 or more.

Initially dismissed by the Europeans, the success of Lexus ultimately forced improvements in quality and a lowering of prices by Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. The Japanese brand’s success has also prompted an expanding list of joint ventures with BMW. Continue reading →

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First 118 MPGe Honda Fit EV Delivered in California

Posted on 23 July 2012 by Ken Zino

American Honda initially will lease Fit in some California and Oregon markets. Some East Coast locations will be added next year. The EV is lease-only with a price of $389 per month for three-years, which computes to a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $36,625. Collision coverage, maintenance costs and roadside assistance service included in lease. Gasoline versions of the Fit sell in the $16,200 to $21,000 range. Continue reading →

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Aloha Petroleum Unveils First Electric Vehicle Fast Chargers

Posted on 12 July 2012 by Ken Zino

Aloha Petroleum now has working fast chargers for electric vehicles at three locations in Oahu, Hawaii. As a promotional tool, EVs equipped with a CHAdeMO fast-charging outlet, including some models of the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV can be topped up free at these Aloha stations. Aloha is the largest gasoline retailer and convenience store operator in the state. Continue reading →

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Fisker and Leonardo DiCaprio to Work on ‘Sustainability’

Posted on 3 July 2012 by Ken Zino

Fisker Automotive and Leonardo DiCaprio today announced that they will work together to promote environmental causes. DiCaprio – an investor in Fisker – will “participate in conversations on the auto manufacturer’s future plans for the advancement of sustainable, responsible vehicles.” Continue reading →

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First Drive – 2013 Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h Hybrid Sedans

Posted on 25 June 2012 by Ken Zino

A day of test-driving both of the front-drive mid-size cars shows that once again, these are well-equipped, quiet luxury models. However, Lexus engineers have abandoned the plush ride that made its name, for a distinctly German chassis setup that verges on the harsh and intrusive. Lexus executives claim that this is what customers want, which could come as news to the one million ES owners. This theory will be tested after the cars are priced – and the strong Yen will be a factor here – and final EPA numbers are attached to their window stickers. Continue reading →

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Tesla Motors Delivers First Model S EVs at $100,000

Posted on 25 June 2012 by Ken Zino

Tesla Motors delivered its first electric Model S sedan over the weekend at its factory in Fremont, California. The financially challenged company – it has never earned a profit – says it will build 5,000 electric vehicles by the end of 2012, followed by 20,000 cars in 2013. Tesla claims it has already received more than 10,000 reservations worldwide for Model S. Continue reading →

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Some Saab Assets Sold to a New Electric Vehicle Company

Posted on 13 June 2012 by Ken Zino

National Electric Vehicle Sweden AB (NEVS), a new firm established to purchase bankrupt Saab, and the receivers of Saab today signed a purchase agreement that covers some of the assets of Saab Automobile AB, Saab Automobile Powertrain AB and Saab Automobile Tools AB. The selling price was not disclosed. The company will establish a new automobile venture in Trollhättan, dedicated to the development and manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs). The intellectual property rights for the aging 9-3, introduced in 1992, were part of a deal that includes all outstanding shares in the company that owns the Saab Automobile facilities in Trollhättan, Sweden. Continue reading →

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New Smart ForTwo EV now in Production in France

Posted on 12 June 2012 by Ken Zino

Daimler AG started production today of the new Smart ForTwo electric vehicle built at the Smart Hambach, France plant. An investment of €200 million was required to integrate the tiny EV into the production processes of the plant, which also builds gasoline versions. Continue reading →

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Taxpayer Funded A123 Systems Claims Breakthrough Battery

Posted on 12 June 2012 by Ken Zino

A123 Systems (Nasdaq: AONE), a developer and manufacturer of nanophosphate lithium iron phosphate batteries and systems, today introduced Nanophosphate EXT, a new lithium ion battery technology that it claims is capable of operating at extreme temperatures without requiring thermal management. The struggling company said this morning that the new battery chemistry will significantly “reduce or eliminate the need for heating or cooling systems.” Continue reading →

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Nissan Creates Zero Emission Fund to Sell CO2 Credits

Posted on 11 June 2012 by Ken Zino

Nissan Motor Company in Japan today announced the launch of the Nissan Zero Emission Fund for individual Nissan electric vehicle (EV) owners in Japan that converts the amount of CO2 emissions that are offset by driving the electric Nissan Leaf to generate credits. Continue reading →

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Electric Vehicle Charging and Battery Expo This November

Posted on 11 June 2012 by Ken Zino

What’s said to be the world’s first-ever Charging Infrastructure Expo will be held 13-15 November at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Mich., alongside The Battery Show. The forum is for industry leaders and stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges in the charging infrastructure industry, as well proving a showcase for the latest battery technologies and electric vehicle charging technologies. Continue reading →

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London EV Conference to Debate Urban Mobility Issues and Incentives

Posted on 11 June 2012 by Ken Zino

Electric Vehicles will be at the heart of Frost & Sullivan’s upcoming annual industry event –  – Urban Mobility 3.0: OEMs New Mobility Offerings and New Business Models Linking Web 2.0,’ which takes on 13 -14 June 2012 in London. … Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Adds a Fisker Dealership in Arizona

Posted on 7 June 2012 by Ken Zino

Penske Automotive Group is opening the first Fisker dealership in Arizona – Fisker of Scottsdale. The addition of the new Arizona outlet bring to 80 the number of independent retail locations in the US, Canada and Europe selling Fisker EVs. The Karma model is sold through 48 outlets in North America, and will soon be distributed for the first time in China and the Middle East following new retail agreements. Continue reading →

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Honda Fit EV Rated by the EPA at 118 MPGe, the Highest Ever

Posted on 6 June 2012 by Ken Zino

The Fit EV’s 20-kWh lithium-ion battery provides the capacity to earn an EPA combined city/highway estimated driving range of 82-miles, meaning the Fit EV on paper and in press releases surpasses the EPA efficiency and range ratings of the Ford Focus Electric (105 MPGe, 76-mile range), Nissan Leaf (99 MPGe, 73-mile range), and Mitsubishi i-MiEV (112 MPGe, 62-mile range). Honda recently settled a class action lawsuit that said in effect that it had overrated the mileage on the Civic hybrid. Continue reading →

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Milestones – Toyota Motor Sells 4 Million Hybrid Vehicles

Posted on 22 May 2012 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) in Japan announced today that its global hybrid vehicle sales totaled four million vehicles through April 2012. of that 1.5 million Toyota hybrids have been sold in the United States where it dominates the advanced technology vehicle market by outselling all other hybrid and electric vehicles combined. Toyota in the U.S. now holds 65% of the hybrid market, with the Prius a line accounting for 1.2 million vehicles year-to-date. Continue reading →

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