Tag Archives: EVs

Smart USA Delivers First ForTwo Electric Vehicle

Posted on 29 January 2011 by Ken Zino

Smart USA has delivered the first Smart ForTwo electric vehicle to a retail customer in the United States. Penske Automotive Group Chairman Roger Penske and Smart USA President Jill Lajdziak made the ceremonial delivery to lessee Mindy Kimball at her home in Silver Spring, MD. Continue reading →

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Construction of Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicle Battery Plant in Tennessee Well Underway

Posted on 26 January 2011 by Ken Zino

Construction is progressing on Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee, which will produce lithium-ion batteries for the Leaf electric vehicle. Continue reading →

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GM Invests in Envia Systems’ Battery Cathode Material

Posted on 26 January 2011 by Ken Zino

General Motors Ventures LLC has invested $7 million in Envia Systems get access to what is said to be an advanced lithium-ion cathode technology that delivers a battery with higher cell energy density and lower cost. Continue reading →

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Ultracapacitors to Challenge Batteries in Stop/Start Vehicles?

Posted on 25 January 2011 by Ken Zino

Pike Research that claims worldwide sales of ultracapacitors will grow tenfold from $28 million in 2011 to $284 million by 2016, with cumulative revenue of $901 million during that period. 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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Nissan Leaf Debuts in U.S. at $32,780

Posted on 2 November 2010 by Ken Zino

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) says that the 2011 Nissan LEAF electric vehicle on sale in December starts at $32,780 MSRP before a $7500 federal tax credit, plus taxes, title and license fees. A Leaf lease starts at $349 per month. The pure electric vehicle requires a charging dock, which Nissan says will cost another $2200 on average, and require eight hours to fully recharge Leaf’s 48 lithium ion battery modules. 

There are also other potential subsidies for the mid-size with what is claimed to be a 100-mile range. There is $5,000 statewide tax rebate in California; a $5,000 tax credit in Georgia; a $1,500 tax credit in Oregon; and carpool-lane access in some states, including California. The charging dock and installation are eligible for a 50% federal tax credit up to $2000. Continue reading →

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EPA to Stigmatize Gas Guzzlers with a D Grade?

Posted on 1 November 2010 by Ken Zino

EPA and DOT are proposing the most radical changes to the fuel economy labels of every new vehicle in dealer showrooms since the regulation began more than 30 years ago. “New technologies such as battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are entering the American market in greater numbers,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We need to provide consumers with labels that include fuel economy and environmental information so that buyers can make better informed decisions when purchasing new vehicles.”

EPA and DOT are actually proposing two new label designs for comment during a rule making period that will be subject to intense behind the scenes lobbying by automakers in pay to play Washington.  At stake is the stigma of a bad label on the side of a vehicle. Continue reading →

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