Kia Presents Korea's First Production Electric Model, the New Ray EV

The new Ray EV is not only Kia's first attempt to enter the electric car market but it is also the first production EV to be introduced by a Korean automaker.

The battery-powered model is based on the recently launched Ray city car, which is only offered in Kia's home market. It shares the regular model’s major dimensions and, in a global first for an EV manufacturer, is built on the same production line as the conventional combustion-engine models.

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AMP to Debut All-Electric Jeep Grand Cherokee at the Detroit Motor Show

Adding another new green vehicle to the long line forming at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show, AMP Electric Vehicles will premiere it's latest electric conversion based on the new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Ohio-based company is in the business of converting gasoline-powered vehicles to electric having previously offered a battery-powered version of the Saturn Sky while it currently converts the 2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 and the Chevrolet Equinox (for fleet use).

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Tokyo Motor Show : Honda EV-STER Concept to Spawn a Production Model

Tokyo Motor Show

It looks like the retro-styled N Concept 4 city car won't be the only Honda study displayed at this month's Tokyo Motor Show that will end up going into production as the Japanese carmaker's CEO Takanobu Ito told German magazine Auto Motor und Sport that the open-top EV-STER has also received the green light. The Honda boss revealed that the battery-powered, rear-wheel drive roadster could arrive in the market as early as 2012, adding that the company may also introduce more conventional version with a classic gasoline engine, without offering any more details.
However, it's only reasonable to assume that the gasoline model would be a hybrid matching an internal combustion engine with an electric motor.
At 3,570mm (140.5-in.) long, 1,500mm (59.0-in.) wide and 1,100mm (43.3-in.) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,325mm (92.5-in.), the tiny concept is marginally larger than Honda's 1990s mid-engined kei car, the Beat.
In conceptual form, the two-seater features an electric motor that draws energy from a 10kWh lithium-ion battery and powers the rear wheels. Honda said that the EV-STER could complete the zero to 100km/h (62mph) sprint in 5 seconds flat and reach a maximum speed of 160km/h (100mph).
The Japanese automaker also claims a driving range of around 160 kilometers (100 miles) and a charging time of under 3 hours using a 200V source and in less than 6 hours with a 100V source.

VIDEO: Tokyo Motor Show 2011: Honda EV-STER, World Premiere 

Honda EV-STER Concept to Spawn a Production Model

It looks like the retro-styled N Concept 4 city car won't be the only Honda study displayed at this month's Tokyo Motor Show that will end up going into production as the Japanese carmaker's CEO Takanobu Ito told German magazine Auto Motor und Sport that the open-top EV-STER has also received the green light.

The Honda boss revealed that the battery-powered, rear-wheel drive roadster could arrive in the market as early as 2012, adding that the company may also introduce more conventional version with a classic gasoline engine, without offering any more details.

However, it's only reasonable to assume that the gasoline model would be a hybrid matching an internal combustion engine with an electric motor.

At 3,570mm (140.5-in.) long, 1,500mm (59.0-in.) wide and 1,100mm (43.3-in.) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,325mm (92.5-in.), the tiny concept is marginally larger than Honda's 1990s mid-engined kei car, the Beat.

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Nissan Confirms New Pathfinder and All-Electric Van Concepts for Detroit Show

As we're approaching closer to the 2012 edition of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 9, more automakers are slowly rolling out their plans to create some additional buzz around their products.

Today, Nissan confirmed that it's presence at the show will be highlighted by the worldwide debut of two concept vehicles, including a Pathfinder preview study and an all-electric van prototype.

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Ford Begins Production of 2012 Focus Electric, Promises to be Better than Nissan’s Leaf

Having already launched its first all-electric vehicle, the Transit Connect Electric in December 2010, Ford announced today that it is beginning production of its first plug-in passenger car, the Focus Electric.

The all-electric, zero-emissions version of the Focus will be manufactured at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant from this month – and the Blue Oval is making some really bold statements about its EV.

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GE's Wall Mounted Fast Charging Station for EVs and Plug-in Hybrids Now Available on Amazon

It's amazing but at the same time scary of how many things you can buy online at the touch of a button, without ever leaving the comfort of your chair.

Adding to the long list of products one can acquire on the web is General Electric's 'WattStation' wall mount charger for pure electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles that is now available directly to U.S. consumers though Amazon.

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GM Moves On to New Battery Technology for the Pure - Electric Spark

Electric vehicles may be all the rage in the zero-emission-obsessed 21st century automotive world, but they are not the novelty carmakers would have you believe. In fact, the first electric vehicle was manufactured in the early 19th century, predating the invention of both gasoline and diesel internal-combustion engines. Its limited range, though, along with the rapid development of road infrastructure in the early 20th century that made travels much easier, caused its demise.
Naturally, two centuries later, the newly discovered EVs use much more advanced technology. It’s still in its infancy, however, especially compared to the internal combustion engine. Therefore, there is still much room for improvement.
The recent NHTSA investigation concerning the issue of lithium-ion batteries after crash-testing Chevrolet’s Volt extended-range hybrid, has prompted GM to seek a more advanced battery technology for the electric version of its Spark city car, which is due in 2013.
When carmakers like Tesla, Nissan and GM were developing their EVs and hybrids, lithium-ion batteries were the best tech available.
Now they will employ lithium phosphate technology in their next-gen models because, as principal of Detroit consulting firm 2953 Analytics, James Hall, noted, they are safer and longer lasting.
"Lithium phosphate chemistry looks like it could be friendlier in terms of heat management", said Hall. "But it stores less energy. There is a tremendous amount of new discovery. This is new territory for lithium batteries."
GM has already signed a contract with A123 Systems for the development of new, lithium phosphate battery packs. The company’s executive director in charge of Global Electrical Systems, Micky Bly, said that “A123’s systems offer ideal capabilities for a future electrified vehicle application.”
A123 Systems’ vice president Andy Chu revealed that the company was one of the bidders to supply the Volt batteries, but lost out to LG Chem because, at the time, it didn’t have a proven manufacturing record.
The tables have turned, though. Apart from the GM, BMW is also buying lithium phosphate batteries from A123 for its ActiveHybrid 5 and upcoming ActiveHybrid 3, while Fisker will also use the same technology for the Karma.
 
Story References: Bloomberg

PHOTO GALLERY

GM Moves On to New Battery Technology for the Pure-Electric Spark

Electric vehicles may be all the rage in the zero-emission-obsessed 21st century automotive world, but they are not the novelty carmakers would have you believe.

In fact, the first electric vehicle was manufactured in the early 19th century, predating the invention of both gasoline and diesel internal-combustion engines. Its limited range, though, along with the rapid development of road infrastructure in the early 20th century that made travels much easier, caused its demise.

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Put a Socket on it: Nissan Celebrates Leaf's First Birthday with an Ad

It's been about 365 days or a year since Nissan launched its new pure-electric Leaf onto the market and to celebrate the event, the Japanese company released a commercial featuring household electric-sockets singing the traditional 'happy birthday song'.

Over the course of a year, Nissan says it has sold more than 19,000 Leaf hatchbacks worldwide. In the U.S., sales of the all-electric model have totaled 8,720 units through the end of November. Just this week, Nissan announced that it is going to expand the availability of the Leaf to seven more states starting from spring of 2012.

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Media Headlines Reduce Demand for Volt, Coolant May be the Cause of Battery Fires

Despite handling the Chevrolet Volt fire-risk issue brightly going to great lengths to dispel current owners’ fears and satisfy them, media headlines seem to have taken their toll on the extended range EV's sales after all.

According to CNW Marketing president Art Spinella, a new survey conducted by his research company reveals “a decline in the consideration of the GM vehicle”.

The study shows that the number of early adopters “Likely” or “Very Likely” to buy a Volt between July and December decreased by 20.5% after the fire reports, a percentage that was double among the general public. Electric vehicle enthusiasts are the only ones not affected by the reports, yet analysts expect the Volt to will miss its 2011 sales target by around 20%.

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Rinspeed Shows “Dock+Go” EV Extending Range Add-On Concept Ahead of the Geneva Salon

Rinspeed is a Swiss-based automobile manufacturer and tuning designer with a very vivid imagination. Although it produces “normal” tuning products like the 600HP Porsche 911 Turbo, it is projects like the James Bond-like submersible Lotus Elise or the BamBoo EV study that are its hallmark.

Now, the innovative design house is planning to launch a new “mobility concept” at the 2012 Geneva Salon next March. The “Dock+Go” is the brainchild of Frank M. Rinderknecht, who describes it as a docking “backpack on wheels”.

The idea behind its creation was born out of most electric vehicles’ problem: their restricted range. Although any EV can serve as a basis, Rinspeed chose the electric Smart ForTwo for displaying its solution.

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Smart to Debut For-Us Small Pickup Concept at the Detroit Motor Show

One company that you would never think would consider building a pickup truck is Smart. Yet the Mercedes-Benz-owned maker of the ForTwo city car plans to present a small pickup truck-like concept named the For-Us at the coming North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

“We at Smart love pickups – if they are small on the outside, large on the inside, very safe and extremely comfortable," said Smart CEO, Annete Winkler. "With the Smart For-Us a petrol station is no longer required!”

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Nissan Expands Availability of Leaf EV to 7 More States Across America

On the heels of the one-year anniversary of the first delivery of the Leaf on December 11, Nissan announced on Tuesday that it is expanding the availability of its dedicated electric model into new U.S. territories. .

Chevrolet Volt Deemed as 2011's Top Collectible Car of the Future by NAHC

For a second year in a row, the Friends of the National Automotive History Collection (NAHC), which is billed as the world's largest public archive of automotive literature, have selected a Chevrolet model as the most collectible car of the future among 23 all-new cars and trucks launched in the States in 2011.

Last year, the winner was the Camaro sports coupe while for 2011, the award goes to the Volt extended range electric vehicle. NAHC did not name the other competitors for this year's award.

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Tesla Current: Maxim Ostapenko Envisions an All Electric S-Class Competitor

With Tesla’s long anticipated Model S sedan still more than six months away, designers from all over the world have begun to speculate what will be next for the Silicon Valley-based automaker.
One such design study is the Current by Maxim Ostapenko, a graduate of Pasadena, California’s Art Center College of Design.
Essentially a four-door all-electric saloon car to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series and Jaguar XF, the Tesla Current shares its design heritage with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz F800 Style and the Citroen Survolt concepts.

Smart Announces First All-Electric Carsharing Fleet in the US

Daimler’s Car2go subsidiary has announced the introduction of the first all-electric carsharing fleet in North America. According to company, the plan calls for 300 zero-emission Smart ForTwo electric cars to arrive in the city of San Diego by the end of the year.

Video: Nissan LEAF Climbs the Pikes Peak

Last month, Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima broke his own record at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb with a sub 10 minutes time in a 910-horsepower modified Suzuki SX4 racecar.
Now, Nissan’s first all-electric car, the LEAF, has tackled the 156 turns of the “Race to the Clouds”. Naturally, “Monster” Tajima can rest assured that his record remains safe.
That’s not to say that the LEAF driven by Chad Hord didn’t record a respectable time. After all, 14 minutes and 33 seconds with an average speed of 51.2 mph (82.4 km/h) is not to be laughed at for an EV that used just 46% of its charge to cover the demanding 12.42 miles (20 km) hill climb.
Watch the LEAF climb the Pikes Peak after the jump.

First Fisker Karma to be Delivered to Leo Di Caprio, Company has More than 3,000 Orders

Fisker is finally starting deliveries of its Karma luxury plug-in hybrid sedan later this month –and the lucky person to get the first car will be none other than Hollywood star Leonardo di Caprio (....the spicy female model featured in the firm's print advert is not included with the car).
The company says it has already received 3,000 pre-orders with the waiting list reaching until early 2012. Other famous customers for the $100,000 hybrid sports sedan are former US Vice President Al Gore and former National Security Advisor and Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Union of Concerned Scientists Releases 2011 Hybrid Scorecard: Prius = Good, Touareg Hybrid = Bad

The Union of Concerned Scientist, a non-profit science advocacy group in the U.S., has released its second annual Hybrid Scorecard. The organisation criticised hybrid car manufacturers for not delivering on the technology’s promise, for placing performance above fuel efficiency and environmental benefit and burdening hybrids with features that put them out of the price range of average Americans.
A total of 34 hybrid vehicles from the 2011 to 2012 model year were tested for their fuel efficiency, environmental impact, value-for-money and their so-called “forced-feature premium”. The latter is features that don’t improve fuel efficiency but probably make the cars more appealing to money-conscious consumers.