EV-Motoring

World’s First Look: BMW iBrand i3 and i8 Concepts

Henny Hemmes — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:36:32 +0000

FRANKFURT– Today I was in Frankfurt where BMW presented the iBrand concept models of its first electric and first plug-in hybrid vehicles. The new sub brand for sustainable mobility of the Bavarian car manufacturer will introduce the production models of the compact electric i3 and the plug-in hybrid sports car i8 on markets world wide in 2013. The development of the i3 started in 2007 under what was internally called Project-i. The first car that was part of the development process was the electric Mini E. It was presented at the LA Auto Show in November 2008 and in 2010 a fleet of test cars hit several big cities worldwide in 2010.

By the end of this year a second vehicle will be used for tests: the BMW Active E. The outcome of the use of the Mini E was beneficial for the development of the i3, since it confirmed BMWs idea that a range of around 80-100 miles would be sufficient for use in the so-called mega cities. Drivers testing the Mini E usually did not go any further than some 25 miles per day. BMWs goals has always been a range of 90 miles. The name Mega City Vehicle was used as the work name for BMWs first electric vehicle, the one that now has been presented as i3 Concept. The design of the production model will be somewhat different, but Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW Groups vice-president for design, said that it is pretty close. That is also is the case with the i8 Concept which is the forebode for the 2+2 sports plug-in hybrid sports car.

Article source: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2011/07/29/001413-first-look-bmw-i3-and-i8-bmw-i-sub-brand.html

NYC OKs Ford Transit For Taxi Fleet

EV-Motoring — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 14:23:36 +0000

NEW YORK– New York City officials named Ford Transit Connect a taxi of today this morning, green-lighting the nimble, fuel-efficient vehicle for use in the Big Apple.
The New York Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) approved the Ford Transit Connect Taxi for use at a regularly scheduled public hearing today. New York joins Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia on the list of big cities where officials have approved Transit Connect Taxi for use.

Transit Connects already are in service throughout the country. With today’s approval, more purpose-built taxis are on their way to the nation’s largest city to meet the demand expected among taxi owners.

“For decades, Ford has been synonymous with New York City taxis, and we are pleased residents and tourists now will benefit from our next-generation vehicle,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “We have Transit Connect Taxis in service across the country, and people tell us they love its spaciousness and its fuel efficiency.”

Approval means the Ford Transit Connect Taxi has met the specifications set forth by the TLC. The Ford Taurus also was approved for use. The commission is responsible for regulation and licensing of all taxis in the city and is recognized as the largest and most active taxi and limousine regulatory body in the United States.

The approval in New York comes less than a month after the compressed natural gas (CNG) version of the Transit Connect Taxi was approved by the California Air Resources Board for use in California.

“Approval from the TLC is significant because it allows Ford the opportunity to offer New York City taxi operators and the riding public a taxi that is comfortable, durable, provides excellent fuel efficiency and delivers it all in a much smaller footprint that helps with congestion,” said Kevin Koswick, director, Ford North American Fleet Operations.

The open architecture of the Transit Connect Taxi provides excellent interior headroom and passenger visibility.

With 6.5 inches of ground clearance, passengers step easily through the sliding doors. The rear door opening is 50.2 inches wide at the floor and has a height of 52.1 inches.

The Transit Connect Taxi is certified to Ford Light Commercial Vehicle Durability Standards, while suspension components and the underbody structure have passed requirements for potholes and curbs. The 39-foot turning diameter makes it easier to handle tight spots.

With its standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine and automatic transmission, the conventionally powered Transit Connect delivers a best-in-class 23 mpg combined, an estimated 30 percent improvement in fuel efficiency versus many of today’s traditional taxis. Ford also offers engine prep packages that allow conversions to CNG and LPG (liquefied propane gas).

The first Transit Connect Taxi was delivered last December to a taxicab company in Boston. Since then, more than 100 have been sold to companies in Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, St. Louis and Orlando, Fla., to name a few.

“We applaud TLC Commissioner David Yassky and the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission for approving the only next-generation purpose-built taxicab currently available on the market, the highly reviewed and eagerly anticipated Ford Transit Connect Taxi,” said Ron Sherman, president, Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade.

“This provides our 35 fleets with the opportunity to transition from one purpose-built commercial taxicab – the Crown Victoria – to the Transit Connect as early as this fall,” he added. “Ford has been a great partner with the New York City taxi industry for decades, and this vehicle represents its commitment to the future of the taxi industry throughout the country.”

Robert Gaye, CEO, Orlando-based Transtar Transportation Group, said he made the decision to add Transit Connect Taxis to his fleet earlier this year. The Transit Connect Taxis he bought service Orlando International Airport and the surrounding central Florida area under the Star Taxi name.

Gaye said that passengers and drivers are responding positively, praising the look of the vehicle, the fuel efficiency and the comfort level among other things.

“The response has been tremendous,” said Gaye. “People will wait at taxi stands specifically for a Transit Connect Taxi. They just love them. I’ve had nothing but great reviews from both passengers and drivers.”

Article source: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2011/07/21/000295-hey-taxi-nyc-ok-s-ford-transit-for-taxi-fleet.html

Colulomb to Place 150 ChargePoint Stations in Boston

EV-Motoring — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 06:00:14 +0000

BOSTON– Coulomb has announced plans to create more than 150 ChargePoint EV charging stations in the Boston Metro area. The stations are made available to the State through Coulomb’s $37 million ChargePoint America Department of Energy program. They are also partnering with BMW for the Boston release of their new ActiveE EV.

The ActiveE, based upon the popular BMW 1 Series Coupe, is compatible with all North American charging stations on the ChargePoint Network. Drivers will also be able to use ChargePoint’s mobile apps to view charging locations and schedule charging times.

“Placing these state-of-the-art charging stations in cities and towns across Massachusetts supports the Administration’s clean energy agenda — augmenting our nation-leading efforts in the areas of green jobs, Green Communities, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” stated Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray. “Our administration is pleased to partner with the Obama Administration and Coulomb Technologies on this initiative, and we look forward to seeing this innovative resource support municipalities as they embrace new clean transportation options.”

When complete, Coulomb’s ChargePoint America program will have installed almost 5,000 charging stations in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Article source: http://www.coulombtech.com/pr/news-press-releases-2011-0722.php

GNA to Promote Honda Civic Natural Gas Sedan

EV-Motoring — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 02:05:51 +0000

Honda has picked environmental consulting firm Gladstein, Neandross & Associates to promote the Honda Civic Natural Gas sedan, formerly known as the Honda Civic GX. GNA has successfully deployed several clean and alternative fuel projects in the United States.

“GNA is extremely fortunate to have played a role in managing the deployment of a number of nationally recognized NGV projects. We are excited to work with American Honda to promote its Honda Civic Natural Gas sedan, which is the nation’s leading light-duty natural gas vehicle product,” stated GNA CEO Erik Neandross.

The Honda Civic Natural Gas is currently available in 33 states, with five more states added by the end of 2011. The Honda Civic Natural Gas offers a cleaner alternative that is also cheaper at the pump. It’s also possible that purchase incentives could allow for tax credits for the purchase of NGVs.

The Civic Natural Gas is the only OEM-built, CNG-powered passenger car assembled in the U.S. It is built on the same assembly line as the gasoline-powered Civic four-door models at Honda’s Greensburg, Indiana manufacturing facility.

Article source: http://www.prlog.org/11591497-gladstein-neandross-associates-selected-by-american-honda-to-promote-civic-natural-gas-sedan.html

EV Charging Coming to Walgreens

EV-Motoring — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 21:18:22 +0000

Walgreens has announced its plans to install 800 EV charging stations by the year’s end. The chain will have the most EV stations out of any retailer.

Already tested out in Dallas and Chicago this spring, the stations will initially be rolled out to New York, Houston, Los Angeles, Washingron D.C., and other areas. Level 2 and Level 3 chargers will be used, with the former charging about 25 miles / hour and the latter around 3 miles / minute.

“Consumer interest and enthusiasm has been incredible and we’re excited to provide locations to charge up in neighborhoods across the country,” stated Walgreens President of Community Management and Operations, Mark Wagner.

“As more Americans embrace environmentally sustainable technologies, our convenient locations make us uniquely positioned to help address the concern around accessibility or ‘range confidence.’ According to the Department of Energy, Walgreens will make up as much as 40 percent of all public EV charging stations across the country, making it easy for EV drivers to look to our stores for a quick charge near major highways, metropolitan areas or right in their neighborhood.”

Article source: http://www.egmcartech.com/2011/07/24/walgreens-to-offer-ev-charging-stations-at-800-stores/

Nutson’s Nuggets: Last Week’s Automotive Factoids

Larry Nutson — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 17:25:04 +0000

Each week Larry Nutson, The Auto Channel Chicago Bureau Chief will give you some automotive news you may have missed.

The 2012 Nissan Versa is priced $240 less than the 2011. More features have been made standard. A better deal for U.S. buyers.
The 2012 Nissan Leaf has a base price $2420 higher than 2011. More features have been made 2012 standard. Although the cost of the batteries should be coming down, it is not uncommon to raise prices with a new model year.
Toyota will begin offering in Japan Prius vehicles with AC electric outlets. You can park your Prius and brew a pot of coffee! U.S availability has not yet been announced.
AAA is launching a pilot-program in 6 metro areas with Roadside Assistance trucks to charge stranded EVs. Range anxiety continues to be a major concern with EV shoppers.
The Toyota RAV4 EV will be offered to the general public for sale. Previously, it was thought that only fleets and car-sharing programs could buy the RAV4 EV. More choices for the EV crowd.
The National Safe Driver Act of 2011 is supported by Ford and Chrysler. The new legislation would prohibit throughout the U. S. the use of hand-held cell phones in vehicles except in an emergency.
The U.S. government is now out of Chrysler. Fiat, now a 53% owner of Chrysler, purchased remaining stock that remained in government hands. Sergio Marchionne, CEO of both Fiat and Chrysler will now begin merging their operations.
Ford confirmed this week they will build a new high tech, 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder engine with the power of a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder to power the Fiesta. With all of Ford’s EcoBoost technology it will make about 120 horsepower. Fewer cylinders with the same performance and higher fuel economy continues to be the industry direction.(Continuing the gasoline monopoly and Making oil companies very happy)
Shelby SuperCars will produce a new Bugatti Veyron fighter called Tuatara (pronounced twu-tar-ah), essentially a fresh iteration of the Ultimate Aero which, along with Veyron, shared honors as fastest production car in the world.
Mercedes-Benz has developed a new 5.5-liter V8 engine with cylinder deactivation allowing it to run on 4 cylinders when appropriate making about a 30% fuel economy advantage over the existing AMG V8.

Article source: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2011/07/23/000475-nutsons-nuggets-last-week-s-automotive-factoids-case-you-weren.html

Chevrolet Cruze Diesel in 2013

EV-Motoring — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 17:26:08 +0000

WASHINGTON– Chevrolet has confirmed that its diesel version of the Cruze will be for sale in the U.S. in 2013. According to Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum, bringing out a diesel version of the popular car will be “a huge step forward” in increased clean diesel use in the United States.

“In just its first year, the Cruze has proven to be extremely popular with American drivers,” Schaeffer said. “In June, it was the best-selling car in the U.S. and has exceeded sales of more than 20,000 per month since February.

“…This announcement clearly signifies the increasing importance of clean diesel technology as a key and viable strategy for meeting fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions goals.”

The Cruze isn’t the only diesel making its way to these shores. Volkswagen is already in production with the Passat TDI diesel, and there are reports that Mazda, Nissan, and others are unveiling new models. That’s good news, as diesels are 20 to 40 percent more efficient that regular gasoline autos. Analysts are currently expecting diesel auto sales to be between seven and 15 percent of total auto sales by 2015.

Article source: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2011/07/22/000425-chevrolet-diesel-cruze-announcement-huge-step-forward-highlighting-future-importance.html

NHTSA to Make Hybrids and EVs Noisier for Safety

EV-Motoring — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:03:13 +0000

Hybrids and EVs could be required to emit sound to alert pedestrians in the near future. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced its intentions to create standards for the protection of pedestrians, bikers, and the visually-impared.

EVs such as the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf have warning tones already in place, but hybrids are by and large lacking this feature. With the emergence of more EVs and hybrids in the market, a standardized warning will increase in importance. “Even as we make giant leaps forward with hybrid and electric vehicles, we must remain laser focused on safety,” stated NHTSA Administrator David Strickland.

Under the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010, NHTSA must come to a decision regarding standards by January 2014, with them taking effect within three years thereafter.

The NHTSA notice states that the agency is considering a system that mimics the sounds of standard cars, a new synthetic sound, or some combination of both.

Article source: http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/rulemaking/pdf/QuietCar-noi-draft.pdf

Nissan Charging EV Batteries with Solar Energy

EV-Motoring — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 20:33:03 +0000

TOKYO– Nissan has begun to use solar panels to charge EV batteries at its headquarters. As a test with 4R Energy, the energy from almost 500 solar panels is charging up four Leaf batteries.

Nissan states that a five-year-old used Leaf battery still holds around 80% charge. Old Leaf batteries could be used as household storage batteries as early as 2016. But it might not even be necessary to remove them from the car — Nissan is also close to getting Leafs the ability to discharge power, turning them into mobile emergency power sources.

Article source: http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20110711D11JFN05.htm

ChargePoint Android App For Electric Vehicle Owners

EV-Motoring — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 20:17:54 +0000

CAMPBELL, Calif.– Coulomb has ported its ChargePoint smartphone app to Android. Released earlier this year for Blackberry and iPhone, the app provides current charging station status, location information, navigation, and reservations.

The ChargePoint mobile app can locate stations near a given address, get directions, and start and stop a charging session. As well, the app allows drivers to make or cancel reservations at ChargePoint stations.

“We are seeing more than 20 thousand vehicle charging sessions a month on the ChargePoint Network and, on average, drivers remain plugged in for an average of eight hours a session,” said Columb’s founder Richard Lowenthal. “The ChargePoint app provides essential information and control for EV drivers needing to charge. Since EV charging stations are typically busy for hours, EV drivers need an app that tells them which stations are currently available to them. I have driven EVs for more than a decade and know firsthand what it means to arrive at stations that are already use or broken. That doesn’t happen on ChargePoint.”

You can check out the ChargePoint app on Android, Blackberry, and iPhone.

Article source: http://www.theautochannel.com/F/news/2011/07/08/539881-coulomb-technologies-introduces-chargepoint-android-app-for-electric-vehicle-owners.html