Plug-In Hybrids
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The 2009 Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV plug-in hybrid promises a fuel economy of 117.6 mpg.
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First Look At Jaguar XJ 'Limo-Green' Plug-In Hybrid ConceptThe Jaguar XJ Limo-Green has a claimed fuel economy for the combined cycle of 47 mpg.
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Audi USA President Explains Chevy Volt 'Idiots' CommentDe Nysschen isn't against electric cars in general, just against the way the Chevy Volt does it.
Nelson Ireson -
Mercedes-Benz Brings Back BlueZERO Concepts For Frankfurt Auto ShowThe BlueZERO E-Cell Plus concept points to the styling direction for the next-generation A-Class.
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid Makes Public Driving Debut At Laguna SecaThe Pebble Beach Concours was the Karma's coming out party, and the vehicle got to stretch its legs at the legendary Laguna Seca circuit.
Ralph Hanson -
2011 Chevrolet Volt Expects 230mpg EPA City RatingThe fuel-sipping extended range EV gets even better numbers than most expected.
Nelson Ireson -
This morning's announcement from GM on a future Buick plug-in hybrid confirmed the presence of a second crossover vehicle--and according to one industry source, it's not just a standard gas-engined version of the upcoming hybrid SUV. Automotive News reports that the second Buick crossover will in fact be a version of a vehicle being spun from the next-generation Chevrolet Aveo. The Aveo replacement itself is said to be in the GM product queue as the 2012 Chevrolet Viva; though GM hasn't said it will be built in Michigan, it's thought that the Viva and spin-off vehicles will be assembled in...
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Aptera releases teaser sketch for 2e interiorIn March of last year, Aptera announced it had done all the development necessary to head to production, and that all it needed was to move into acquiring the right equipment and workforce to do so. Soon after the company revealed that a new infusion of $24 million in cash had been acquired, and...
James Martinez -
Dodge exec: Circuit EV headed for productionChrysler intends to launch its first all-electric model by next year according to a recent interview with Lou Rhodes, Chrysler's ENVI division president, and unlike its rivals, the now-Fiat-aligned carmaker is planning a high-performance sports model as its entry into the burgeoning segment...
Alex Kaufmann -
Report: Karmann survives on electric car lifeline from VWGerman independent vehicle manufacturer Karmann shut its doors for the last time late last month as the company heads into bankruptcy but the move may not be final according to latest reports. Karmann has reportedly inked a $14 million deal with Volkswagen to help with the development and supply of...
Alex Kaufmann -
Fisker signs deal with Quantum to source Karma plug-in hybrid systemWhile big brand automakers like Toyota and General Motors are still more than a year away from launching their respective plug-in hybrid vehicles, small start-ups such as California's Fisker Automotive intends on having its own plug-in hybrid on sale this November. The company today took a step...
James Martinez -
Report: Toyota plans to mass produce plug-in hybrids by 2012Toyota has already confirmed it will release a plug-in hybrid vehicle powered by next-generation lithium-ion batteries in Japan, the U.S. and Europe sometime next year but production of these will be limited and only commercial and government fleets are expected to receive the cars. Mass production...
Jeremy Weber -
You may think you've already seen the 2011 Chevrolet Volt inside and out (online at least) but in truth you've only seen mock-ups. The first real, complete pre-production Volts are currently testing on the streets around GM’s Warren test center in Michigan and these are the first images of the prototype vehicles. The vehicles have been fitted with a lithium-ion battery pack, which features more than 200 lithium-ion cells, sophisticated computer controls, liquid cooling system and other components. About 80 of these pre-production Volts will be assembled and continue testing until the...
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Tesla will use DOE funding for Model S and electric drivetrain factoriesDespite its small size, Tesla Motor Company, builder of the famed Roadster electric sports car, is as embattled as any major manufacturer these days. Between a lawsuit from a former CEO and materials costs far beyond the asking price of the Roadster, things haven't been going well lately. Things...
Ralph Hanson -
Report: Buick to get two-mode hybrid for new crossoverIf the rumors are true, General Motors may be in the process of developing a new Buick crossover - with a new two-mode plug-in hybrid engine that should take the alternative fuels fight to its competitors. GM, Daimler, Chrysler and BMW have been jointly developing the two-mode hybrid for some time...
Alex Kaufmann -
Toyota to lease 500 Prius plug-in hybrids this year, 150 coming to U.S.It's important to have a broad perspective in the auto business - tunnel-vision has been one of the biggest criticism of the American automakers. But seeing beyond the trees of economic meltdown to view the forest of the future industry is easier said than done. Toyota, however, is demonstrating...
Alex Kaufmann -
Chrysler unveils $448 million electric vehicle planChrysler today submitted three proposals outlining a $448-million plan to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in order to rapidly bring electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid models to market. The proposals were submitted in order to receive two initiatives established by the DOE - the Electric...
James Martinez -
VW and BYD sign deal to work together on electric carsDuring an informational visit by the Chinese carmaker BYD (Build Your Dreams), company chairman Wang Chuanfu and the CEO of Volkswagen Martin Winterkorn signed a memorandum of understanding in the area of electric mobility. The objective of signing a memorandum of understanding between the two...
Alex Kaufmann -
The epic development period of the Volt has been unique in many ways, not least of which because it was announced about three years ahead of its actual debut - which is still more than a year out. But this week Bob Lutz told David Letterman one key detail of the upcoming plug-in hybrid from General Motors: its price. Phrasing it as a 'best estimate' Lutz said the MSRP would sit 'around $40,000' and that the customer would be paying about $32,500 once a $7,500 government rebate is taken into account. That $7,500 rebate is part of a package intended to help boost sales and production of...
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Toyota doubts widespread acceptance of plug-in hybridsThe idea that plug-in hybrids aren't all they're cracked up to be isn't a new one. Carnegie Mellon University has even published a study that calls the technology inefficient and cost-prohibitive. Now it looks like Toyota may be in agreement, saying it doesn't expect more than 50,000 plug-in hybrid...
Nelson Ireson -
Volkswagen will preview electric future with new Frankfurt Motor Show conceptFollowing in the footsteps of last year’s Golf TwinDrive and Space up! Blue concept vehicles, Volkswagen will reinforce its electric car image with the unveiling of a brand new concept car at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The latest concept is described as a rival to General...
Ralph Hanson -
GM’s financial troubles won’t impede Chevrolet Volt developmentThe much anticipated Chevrolet Volt, the car pegged with rescuing GM from impending financial doom, is about to start the next phase of testing despite threats of bankruptcy looming on the horizon. Development work on the Volt is continuing uninterrupted and the first fleet of prototypes with...
Ralph Hanson -
Carmakers decide on universal plug for hybridsWhen we drive interstate or internationally, we expect fuel everywhere to be fairly similar. Now, to ensure that same security is there for drivers of plug-in hybrid vehicles, a number of major carmakers and energy companies have come to an agreement on what the plug should look like for the new...
Jeremy Weber -
Raser Technologies working on 100mpg Hummer H2 plug-in hybridHummer may have been one of the most demonized vehicle brands of the decade, with both poor sales figures and a terrible environmental reputation - but now Utah’s Raser Technologies is using the iconic Hummer H2 as a base for its new electric technology, which it claims can give the Hummer a...
James Martinez