electric Archives | Page 6 of 8

LA 2010: 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid brings electric power to the luxury sport segment

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Infiniti

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

Making its public debut here at the LA Auto Show is the first production hybrid sedan from Infiniti, the M35h. Set to hit dealerships in the spring of 2011, the M Hybrid uses a parallel hybrid system combined with a seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.

When paired with a 50-kilowatt electric motor, the M35h’s 3.5-liter V6 is estimated to produce a stout 360 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. What’s more, the electric motor produces an additional 199 lb-ft of twist off the line for acceleration, and we’re told that the sedan can travel up to 62 miles per hour on electric power alone.

Official fuel economy figures are not available as of this writing, but Infiniti expects the M Hybrid to achieve 25 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the highway (27 combined). Sure, that might sound impressive, but for the sake of comparison, we’d like to direct your attention to the new 5.0-liter direct-injected V8 from Hyundai, which is estimated to net 26 mpg highway with a whopping 429 hp on tap. Just sayin’.

The M Hybrid does come standard with a laundry list of technological features, such as Active Noise Control and an audible pedestrian warning system for times when the car is silently cruising in electric mode. On top of that, the usual host of functions like navigation, Bluetooth and satellite radio are all on hand – this is a top-tier Infiniti, after all.

Follow the jump for the full details in the automaker’s press release, and click through our galleries of live and stock shots to see the new M Hybrid from all angles.

Gallery: LA 2010: Infiniti M Hybrid

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

Gallery: 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading LA 2010: 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid brings electric power to the luxury sport segment

LA 2010: 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid brings electric power to the luxury sport segment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “LA 2010: 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid brings electric power to the luxury sport segment”

Chevy Volt tagline: “More Car Than Electric”

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Electric

2011 Chevrolt Volt

2011 Chevrolet Volt – Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors has been advertising its “extended-range electric vehicle” since 2007, but does anyone remember the first video commercial for the Chevrolet Volt? It first aired back in late 2007 and featured a dog licking a person’s foot. The gist? You care about the environment and save water on showers by having Fido lick your feet; Chevy cares about the environment and so it’s working on the Volt (watch the 30-second spot here).

In the very near future – i.e., during the World Series – GM will begin airing a series of new commercials using the Volt’s just-revealed new tagline: “More Car Than Electric.” We got a sneak preview of these commercials during a Volt media event last week (and promised we wouldn’t reveal anything about the visuals or the voiceovers) but thought that the slogan might generate some discussion.

Is it convincing? Does it do what it needs to do? We’ll soon get an idea of how the general public reacts, but what’s your first take?

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[Source: GM]

Chevy Volt tagline: “More Car Than Electric” originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Chevy Volt tagline: “More Car Than Electric””

Honda prices 2011 Fit Hybrid at $19,310; cheapest gas-electric in Japan

European 2011 Honda Jazz Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite the fact that Honda has no plans – at least not yet – to export its 2011 Honda Fit (Jazz) Hybrid to the U.S., we’ve still kept a close eye on the automaker’s subcompact gas-electric. From the rumors that swirled around back in 2006 to its on-stage debut at the Paris Motor Show, we’ve never lost sight of the Fit Hybrid and its overall importance in the gas-electric segment. Now, as the vehicle launches in Japan, we’re pleased to note that Reuters is reporting that Honda has kept its promise and priced the Fit Hybrid at a mere 1.59 million yen ($19,310 U.S. at current exchanges rate). This makes it the cheapest gas-electric car available in Japan.

Honda reports that pre-orders in Japan for the bargain-priced hybrid have reached nearly 10,000 units. Toppling the nation’s best-seller, the Toyota Prius, though, will require even more consumer interest than that. Under Japanese testing methods, the Fit Hybrid receives a 70.6 mile-per-gallon fuel economy rating, equal to that of the company’s Insight.

Gallery: European Honda Jazz Hybrid

[Source: Reuters]

Honda prices 2011 Fit Hybrid at $19,310; cheapest gas-electric in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Oct 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Honda prices 2011 Fit Hybrid at $19,310; cheapest gas-electric in Japan”

Paris Preview: Exagon Furtive e-GT is a range-extended super-electric coupe [w/video]

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Technology, Paris Motor Show, Electric

Exagon Furtive e-GT – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Born of Exagon Engineering, constructor of many a race car (including the eight ice-melting machines that contested the Trophée Andros Electrique last season), Exagon Motors has uncloaked a new street machine for a handful of French journalists, and the car’s performance numbers will probably raise more eyebrows than its looks.

The 2+2 is said to achieve a Tesla Roadster-beating 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds with twin Siemens motors producing 340 horsepower. The all-important, all-electric range is similar to the Silicon Valley speedster as well, with 400 kilometers (248.5 miles) claimed as the distance possible before the need for its on-board gasoline motor to kick in to take you the next 400 kms.

It appears the French manufacturer could begin production as soon as 2012. As far as the price goes, we’re going to guess this is is one of those, “if you have to ask, you can’t afford it” type of deals. Still, we’ll ask anyway when we check it out for ourselves in the metal. Or carbon fiber. Or whatever it is. In the meantime, you can get a great look, inside and out, in the video reveal awaiting you after the break.

Gallery: Exagon Furtive e-GT

[Sources: Zer Customs, Turbo.fr]

Continue reading Paris Preview: Exagon Furtive e-GT is a range-extended super-electric coupe [w/video]

Paris Preview: Exagon Furtive e-GT is a range-extended super-electric coupe [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Paris Preview: Exagon Furtive e-GT is a range-extended super-electric coupe [w/video]”

BMW announces trial markets for ActiveE electric car effort

Filed under: BMW, Electric

BMW ActiveE concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

The evolution of BMW’s electric vehicle program, Project i, goes sort of like this: from Mini E concept to leasing that car to happy customers to the ActiveE concept to field tests of the larger sedan next year and then on to the Megacity EV, which is scheduled for 2013. Those last two steps have yet to happen, but today we learn a bit more about how and where the ActiveE, a modified 1 Series Coupe, will prowl the streets. BMW has announced that the following U.S. cities and areas will get the ActiveE:

New York City
Los Angeles
San Diego
San Francisco
Sacramento
Boston
select markets in Connecticut

So that makes California and the East Coast the lucky ones. We’ve heard a few hundred ActiveEs would be tested around the U.S., but BMW hasn’t provided any more details on the number of vehicles coming to each location. The field trial starts next summer, so we don’t have that much longer to wait.

What can drivers expect from the ActiveE? BMW says that “realistic simulations” show the all-electric car can go from 0-60 in approximately 8.5 seconds and the car has a top speed of around 90 miles per hour (electronically limited). Range is estimated at 100 miles. Unlike the Mini E , the ActiveE can seat four and carry about seven cubic-feet of stuff.

Gallery: BMW Concept ActiveE

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW announces trial markets for ActiveE electric car effort

BMW announces trial markets for ActiveE electric car effort originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “BMW announces trial markets for ActiveE electric car effort”

Paris Preview: Mini’s electric scooter comes into view *Update

Filed under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show, Mini, Motorcycle, Electric

Mini Scooter E Concept – Click above for a high-res image

Mini’s given us an almost true-to-life view of its Scooter E Concept, and while there’s a little too much going on up front, the overall design stands to look quite all right in person. There’s some serious action going on around the wheels, so as its “E” designation would suggest, motivation will be provided by two electric motors. We’ll get up close with it at next week’s Paris show, and since there’s nothing a mod in overalls and flight boots won’t help, we’ll expect to see her there, too. Hat tip to Rob

Update: Full high-res image gallery added.

Gallery: MINI Scooter E concept

[Source: Miniforum]

Paris Preview: Mini’s electric scooter comes into view *Update originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Paris Preview: Mini’s electric scooter comes into view *Update”

Paris Preview: Peugeot celebrates bicentennial with EX1 electric roadster

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Peugeot, Electric

Peugeot EX1 concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Automotive history is riddled with examples of crossovers between cars and motorcycles. Some are made by automakers, others by motorcycle manufacturers. But if you’re going to make a go of it, it probably helps to have a company that makes both. A company like Honda, Suzuki or BMW. Or Peugeot.

Gearing up for its home expo, the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the French automaker has unveiled a unique take on the formula called the Peugeot EX1. Of course, what you’re looking at is a show car, a concept for how the company’s two core competences can be melded together in one vehicle.

The EX1 celebrates the marque’s 200th anniversary in the form of a lightweight, all-electric two-seat roadster which Peugeot claims “has already broken several world records for acceleration from a standing start.” To that end, the equivalent of 340 horsepower is channeled from a pair of electric motors to all four wheels, mounted at the rear as if on a trike, but with enough track to maintain the stability of a conventional car.

It’s an intriguing concept that reminds us of the nearly produced Volkswagen GX3 trike concept of 2006. While you’re waiting to get our firsthand snapshots and commentary from the Port de Versailles show floor, you can check out the massive high-res image gallery below and the full details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Peugeot EX1 concept

[Source: Peugeot]

Continue reading Paris Preview: Peugeot celebrates bicentennial with EX1 electric roadster

Paris Preview: Peugeot celebrates bicentennial with EX1 electric roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Paris Preview: Peugeot celebrates bicentennial with EX1 electric roadster”

Mercedes-Benz unveils the limited production A-Class E-Cell electric vehicle

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Electric

Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-Cell – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz has dropped the curtain on its latest electrical wonder, the A-Class E-Cell. The vehicle is scheduled for a limited production run of just 500 units, with lucky lessees in Germany, France and The Netherlands expected to receive the majority of them. Unfortunately, a company spokesman told Inside Line that the A-Class E-Cell will not show up on U.S. soil. This Europe-only offering showcases Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to electric drive technology and will be produced at the company’s Rastatt plant in Germany.

The four-door, five-passenger, minivanish-looking E-Cell is based on the company’s standard A-Class hatchback. The electric goodies include a 70kW (peak output, 95 horsepower) motor that churns out a rather remarkable 214 pound-feet of torque and twin lithium-ion batteries that supposedly provide up to 124 miles of range between charges. Top speed is a highway-capable 93 miles per hour. Speaking of that electric motor and powerful battery pack, Mercedes-Benz has the following to say:

This makes the A‑Class E‑Cell an outstandingly assured and dynamic performer on the road, taking just 5.5 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 km/h.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-Cell is set to debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of the month, but you can hit the jump to discover a whole lot more about it right now.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-Cell

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz unveils the limited production A-Class E-Cell electric vehicle

Mercedes-Benz unveils the limited production A-Class E-Cell electric vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Mercedes-Benz unveils the limited production A-Class E-Cell electric vehicle”

Report: Electric CUV coming from Kia in 2013

Filed under: Technology, Crossover, Electric, South Korea

According to Reuters, Kia is looking to jump into the EV fight with an electrified CUV. Parent company Hyundai said that it’s planning to turn out a total of 2,500 battery-operated vehicles by 2012. A total of 500 of those will be Hyundai BlueOn models, but the rest of the fleet will be made up of the new Kia-badged creation. The early fleet will be sold to Korean government agencies as a large-scale test, but commercial sales are supposed to start shortly thereafter. Reuters quotes Hong John-hee, the director of the company’s electric vehicle development group, as saying that the cost of battery-electric vehicles will fall off much quicker than most analysts are anticipating.

Like the BlueOn, the CUV-based EV will store its power in an SK Energy battery pack, though there was no mention as to whether the cells would be lithium-ion or traditional nickel-metal hydride.

The electric crossover is likely to show up on the market in 2013 and will be capable of covering around 80 miles on a single charge. Both Hyundai and Kia are part of an effort by the Korean government to replace up to 20 percent of the nation’s passenger vehicles with EVs by 2020.

[Source: Reuters]

Report: Electric CUV coming from Kia in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Report: Electric CUV coming from Kia in 2013”

Paris Preview: Mini electric concept drives on two wheels

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Mini, Motorcycle

Mini Scooter E concept- Click above for high-res image gallery

Mini has shared plans with its Facebook fans (all 370,702 of them, making the automaker even more popular than David Hasselhoff) to bring its latest electric concept to the Paris Motor Show. Sporting the colors and insignia of the all-electric Mini E, a trio of drawings reveal a scooter with a Vespa-esque rear end following up a somewhat less successful fascia. The Mini-style mirrors are a nice touch while the turn signals remind of the BMW Isetta, which almost saves the design from its bland headlight, but its departure still seems significantly superior to its arrival. Perhaps it will look better when we see it in the metal. Maybe even better than its Smart competition.

More interesting than its aesthetics are hints at the mechanicals. It looks like – and feel free to correct us in the comments if you think differently – that both the front and rear wheels contain motors. This arrangement could also foretell some regenerative braking, though the extra engineering might add too significantly to the price tag should the scooter ever make it to a retail outlet near you (we said outlet, get it?). Also of interest is that little box that would be located between your shins if you were astride the little beastie facing what we hope is a Mini-style speedometer. Radio? GPS? Pedestrian warning system? We’ll let you know in a few weeks.

Gallery: MINI Scooter E concept

[Source: Mini via Motorcycle.com]

Paris Preview: Mini electric concept drives on two wheels originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Paris Preview: Mini electric concept drives on two wheels”