Tag Archives: electric vehicles

Microsoft and Toyota Partner on Next-Generation Telematics

Posted on 6 April 2011 by Ken Zino

Microsoft Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC) today announced they have formed partnership and plan to build on Microsoft’s Windows Azure platform for TMC’s next-generation telematics services using the Windows Azure or cloud platform. Continue reading →

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CAR Says Electric Vehicles Will Follow the Incentives at the Federal, State and Local Levels. Budget Battles Loom?

Posted on 12 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Executive summary – taxpayer money on the hood moves the sheet metal, but auto company press release predictions are dubious. Continue reading →

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Roush Begins Making Blink Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Posted on 11 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Ecotality home charging stations are said to offer advantages over conventional charging stations, including advanced energy monitoring capabilities that allow homeowners to optimize their energy usage and charge their vehicles when rates are lowest. The Blink Network charger interface is the hub where users can receive information about their EV and Blink Home Charging Station including charge status, statistics and history. Continue reading →

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Nissan Building Battery Plant in Portugal for Electric Vehicles

Posted on 11 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Both Nissan and Renault are betting heavily on the market acceptance of electric vehicles in mature markets, starting with the Leaf now in limited production. By 2012 the Alliance will offer four electric vehicles, and more new models are planned from 2014 to 2016. Renault and Nissan plan to sell a cumulative 1.5 million EVs worldwide by 2016. Starting in 2015 the Alliance will have a production capacity of 500,000 EVs a year. Continue reading →

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China Will Lead Electric Vehicles as U.S. Remains Conflicted

Posted on 19 January 2011 by Ken Zino

China could lead the race to roll out electric vehicles and will deploy new transport technologies more quickly than the United States, according to a report by Accenture (NYSE: ACN). However, the U.S. could lead a global biotechnology-based agricultural revolution that will generate more biofuel breakthroughs.

The report, “The US and China: the race to disruptive transport technologies,” claims that China’s state-backed focus on electric vehicles (EVs), its domestic supplies of lithium and current battery production capacity will give it a competitive advantage over the U.S. in EVs. Continue reading →

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Ford Shows 2012 Focus Electric Vehicle at Consumer Electronics Show. 2012 Debut for Magna Conversion

Posted on 7 January 2011 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company unveiled in Las Vegas today its conversion of the Focus compact car to an electric vehicle. It was the first time a major automaker unveiled a new car at the Consumer Electronics Show. Ford claimed the Focus … Continue reading →

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U.S. Navy Accepts GM Equinox Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle

Posted on 20 December 2010 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Navy is among the first customers to take delivery of a Chevrolet Equinox  hydrogen fuel cell vehicle as part of the Hawaii Hydrogen Initiative, GM said today. The Hawaii Hydrogen Initiative, subsidized by federal taxpayers, will try to promote hydrogen … Continue reading →

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Hawaii Hydrogen Initiative Moves Forward

Posted on 8 December 2010 by Ken Zino

Ten companies, agencies and universities have joined The Gas Company (TGC), and General Motors to make hydrogen-powered vehicles and a fueling infrastructure a reality in Hawaii by 2015. Taxpayers are subsidizing the program. Continue reading →

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Honda Cuts Price of 2011 Insight Hybrid

Posted on 30 November 2010 by Ken Zino

The 2011 Honda Insight is officially on sale today with a less expensive base model that starts at $18,950. It’s the latest attempt by Honda to counter Toyota’s ongoing success with the Prius hybrid, which at more than 115,000 sales … Continue reading →

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Chevy Volt has MPGe Rating of 93, 37 MPG Combined

Posted on 24 November 2010 by Ken Zino

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of the Volt starts at $41,000, including a destination freight charge of $720, or $33,500 if the buyer qualifies for the full federal income tax credit that ranges from $0 to $7,500.

This is roughly $8,000 more than the Nissan Leaf EV, which has a similar rollout plan for the U.S. starting in December, and also qualifies for lavish taxpayer subsidies. How long these remaining place in deficit ridden Washington is an open question. Both cars can be leased for $350/month.

So here the arguments will begin. The four-passenger Volt is a fully developed car without any range anxiety. The Leaf is a full electric with green bragging rights.

How many customers there are for both, remains to be seen? Continue reading →

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EPA Says Nissan LEAF Gets 106 MPGe

Posted on 23 November 2010 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the fuel-economy label of the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle, claiming that the five-passenger car is best-in-class with a miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) of 106 city, 92 highway or a combined 99 MPGe. Continue reading →

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