Tag Archives: EVs

GM China Begins Building and Testing Advanced Batteries

Posted on 20 August 2012 by Ken Zino

General Motors China is now making and testing prototype battery cells and complete systems at its Advanced Technical Center in Shanghai, potentially creating a huge offshore industry that will build more affordable batteries for customers globally. Continue reading →

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Bosch Moves into eScooter Business with Ningbo Polaris

Posted on 16 August 2012 by Ken Zino

The Bosch Group is forming a joint venture with Ningbo Polaris Technology, a Chinese provider of motors for electrically driven scooters or eScooters, with Bosch holding the majority. Ningbo makes and sells eScooter motors in China under the POLTM brand, more than one million in 2011 the output of 450 workers. The global output of eScooters in 2011 was about 27 million units with China making 98% of the production volume. “With a growth rate of 6% annually the market will reach up to 46 million units in 2020”, said Udo Wolz, president of the Bosch Electrical Drives division. 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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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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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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Ford C-Max Hybrid Priced $1,000 Less than Prius V

Posted on 17 May 2012 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company said today that the 2013 Ford C-Max compact hybrid utility vehicle will be available this fall with a base price of $25,995 – more than $1,000 lower than the Toyota Prius v’s base price. Whether this makes any sales difference in the marketplace against the formidable Prius lineup remains to be seen. Continue reading →

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Windsor, Canada to Buy Chinese BYD Electric Buses

Posted on 8 May 2012 by Ken Zino

The agreement also opens talks to bring manufacturing of BYD buses to the Ontario region in the near future. BYD has delivered over 300 all-electric buses worldwide and has orders for over 1300 more in 2012, making it apparently the largest electric bus manufacturer in the world. Continue reading →

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Ready For a 4-Point Seat Belt? Renault Thinks So

Posted on 7 May 2012 by Ken Zino

Geeks can debate whether this is a 4-point seat belt or 5-point solution. Simply put, there are two seat belt systems in play. This latest seat belt restraint design requires a first step – slipping an arm under a fixed 2-pointseat belt, then grabbing a seat belt the opposite side, the traditional “buckle up” action is needed from the driver or the tandem passenger of the two-seat car. Since Twizy is really an electric motorcycle on four wheels, whether this adds or detracts from the saleability of thus far market challenged EVs remains to be seen. Continue reading →

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