After a lot of fanfare and enticing lead-up, TTXGP finally unveiled their 2010 model TTX02, called the Mavizen, to showcase next year’s TTXGP races.  The bike’s official race track debut will be in May when it leads the laps in California to begin the TTXGP US Series.

The Mavizen is extremely unique in that it’s not just a standard motocross or racing circuit ride.  In the words of Azhar Hussain, TTXGP founder, says it’s a “laptop on wheels.”

What he means is that the bike is built in a totally modular way–a big step away from many conventional motorcycles and a concept that a lot of electric bike builders like Brammo and Zero Motorcycles have been promoting.  Everything on the TTX02 is swappable, even the drive train. The idea is to have race-specific battery packs, drive trains, and (of course) wheels and tires.

Hints were also dropped by the TTXGP team that a motocross version of the bike (TTX03?) may be forthcoming as well.

Watch the video:

Post from: Zoomi Life

TTXGP Unveils the TTX02, the Connected Electric Sport Bike

Let’s say you’re fascinated with horse-drawn buggies and carriages.  Let’s say that you’re an artist living in New York City.  Now let’s say that you have some time on your hands and can get your hands on some wood, electric motors, and a few 12V batteries.

Well, to hell with it then!  Make a horseless carriage!

That’s exactly what Seth Kinmont did.  Watch the video to find out more:

Post from: Zoomi Life

When Your Horsedrawn Carriage Has No Horse

Earlier in October, we talked about the Mission One team breaking the speed record for a production electric motorcycle.  Well, it didn’t take long for the competition to show up.  Lightning Motorcycles’ production prototype that bears their name burned past Mission’s speed (officially 150mph, unofficially 161mph) with a recorded 166.388mph hot streak.

Lightning accomplished the feat at the SCTA World Finals at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.  Lightning has stated that their production model will be offered for sale sometime in 2010, though likely only to higher-end buyers and amateur race teams.  This new rendition of the Lightning model has A123 batteries inside.

So now that Lightning has chimed in, maybe next week it will be Brammo?  Xero?  Things are heating up!

Source: Lightning Motorcycles

Post from: Zoomi Life

Lightning Tops Mission for New Record in Electric Motorcycles

So you borrow your friend’s Tesla Roadster and are stopped at a construction zone waiting to get through.  Suddenly a jealous Toyota Prius driver rams you from behind, pushing you underneath a nature-hating SUV driver and totaling your friend’s $120,000.00 car.

Great.

The good news is, the Roadster driver came out totally unscathed and says that the interior of the Tesla (thanks to Lotus engineering) was virtually undamaged and his only complaint was how short the neck support on the driver’s seat was.

The Prius driver was also basically unhurt, though his Toy was destroyed as well. His insurance company is a little unhappy, though, I’m sure.

The SUV driver was also just fine, since he came out on top (literally). So was he motorcycle the Prius did a test-crash on before hitting the Roadster.  That rider suffered only minor injuries.

The lesson in all of this?  Don’t loan your Roadster out to your friends if they’re going to drive anywhere near Prius owners. Those people are so busy looking at all the fancy crap on the dash board to tell them how much mileage they’re saving, they can’t keep their eyes open for the truly zero-emissions car in front of them.

The Roadster, though, appears to have performed beautifully in this real-life crash test.  Most of us were expecting the big test to be some drunken CTO on a binge to wrap his around a pole at 120mph.

The driver of the Tesla was Steen Joergensen and the wreck happened in Denmark and had no major injuries.  The Tesla was only fourteen days on the road and had only 400 miles on it at the time.

Source: ACE

Post from: Zoomi Life

Tesla Roadster Passes the Crash Test

We’ve all at least seen those movies where the people climb into a cooper’s barrel, a garbage can, or something similar and roll down the hill risking life and limb for some kind of dumb thrill.  It’s all great fun until you careen headlong into that noggin-busting tree.

Now imagine doing that, but with full control and steering in a barrel that doesn’t even require a hill. One where you don’t have to get dizzy either (though that, for me, kind of seems to ruin the point).

Behold!  It’s eRinGo (Star?) with the wobbling steering motion and full-tilt spinning action.

Concepted by Iranian artist Mohammed Ghezel, it’s (appropriately) clad in green and seats two. Either person can steer, with one “wheel” locking in place while the other person drives and the alien barrel-looking eRinGo tilts to one side or the other, using its outer wheels, to steer and turn.

The inner section “floats,” of course so that the driver(s) can stay coherent enough to drive.

It’s merely a concept and may never be built, but it’s pretty cool anyway.  I definitely want to try one!

Source: Ghezel

Post from: Zoomi Life

The eRinGo Electric Barrel Ride

Not rhetorically either, the little Nanos are literally catching fire.  Three Tata Nanos have caught fire, reportedly, because of a short circuit in a steering column switch.  As a result, the world’s cheapest car is being recalled and current showroom models are being audited.

नैनो नैनो, नैनो में आग लगी है (Hindi, roughly translated: “the Nano, the Nano is on fire…”)

I guess when you pay your assembly line $0.50/hour and import knockoff parts from Hong Kong, this sort of thing could be expected.  Right?  Of course, an internal audit will probably find that the cars were made by UAW members on a Monday after a long weekend and just before a planned strike during “negotiations.”

Source: Edmunds

Post from: Zoomi Life

Cheap for a Reason: Tata Nanos Bursting Into Flames

As you all may be aware, I spend a lot of time mulling over the newly-emerging technologies of the eco- and alt-fuel transportation industries.  Sometimes to find out what’s coming or to try to predict what things will look like in a decade, two decades, or further out.  Lately, those thoughts have focused on the one thing that all of us most often overlook, but that is essential to the comfort we have in any vehicle we drive.

I’ve driven sport bikes, cars, pickup trucks, farm machinery, heavy trucks, big rigs, boats, heavy equipment, and more.  All of them have one thing in common: dashboards.

Without exception, all of the machinery and vehicles I’ve ever operated all had some kind of dashboard with gauges, dials, levers, buttons, etc. Some had more than others, some were bigger than others, and some were simple to understand while others seemed to require a PhD to figure out.

The various types of electrics, alternative fuel, and other vehicles are no exception.  Even most electric bicycles have a little dash board of some kind to show you remaining battery life and maybe your current speed. An iPod dock if nothing else.

Apparently, I’m not the only one thinking about this sort of thing. Companies like Visteon, which supplies automotive instrument panels (aka “dashboards”) have envisioned the future of the dash too.  They showcased it at the CES 2009 show back in January.  It’s a nice rendition and is close to what I envision for the future of cars, but is a little too binocular for me.

A little more traditional, while still being futuristic, is the Nissan vision of the dashboard for the 21st century.  It’s sort of a mixture of Buck Rogers and Star Trek with a little Hello Kitty tossed in for good measure. All it needs are some vaguely Christmassy blinking track lights, really.

Much closer to my vision, though this would be an interim step and not the final product, is the Futuremark 3D OpenGL dashboard of the future. Of the three I’ve mentioned so far, this one is the coolest.  Well, assuming you’re not into lolKats and are instead some kind of computer geek, that is.  The big Flight Simulator-looking screen is a little quirky, though.

My favorite look so far is the killer Delphi dashboard that was also at CES this year.  This one incorporates something I think will be essential to the future of the dashboard: a more “heads up” display of information so the driver can keep his or her eyes on the road.

My own vision is a mixture of some of the above ideas, but with a little more forward-looking in mind.

I think that the dashboard of the future will definitely have to integrate blogging ecologies while incentivizing user-centered folksonomies while also managing to tag podcasting mashups.  All of this will lead to currently undefined data-driven life-hacks that will reinvent Cluetrain and empower the semantic value of the heads up display.(*)

I predict that about two years after I’m dead, when you can’t call me on it any longer, the future dashboard will accomplish the above and look like the heads up display (HUD) of a fighter aircraft coupled with the awesome Flux-Capacitor-like sound system showcased in this car:

Post from: Zoomi Life

The EV Dashboard of the Future, According to Me

If President Obama signs the just-passed bill from Congress which mandates funding for the Department of Energy to fund three-wheeled vehicles like the Aptera 2e and Myers Motors NMG2 could be eligible for the same kind of loans Tesla Motors just received.

Big news for the electric car industry, many of who’s startups and innovators are using 3-wheel platforms.

For the rest of America?  Well, I guess it’s just a tiny bit more inflation, so it won’t hurt. Right?  These are loans, after all, and loans have to be, like, paid back and stuff.  Don’t they?  Even government ones?

On the up-side, this is a big kick in the nuggets for snoots like GM’s Greg Martin who called the Aptera a “novelty vehicle.”  Unlike GM’s own Volt which is definitely not a plug-in Prius with a different logo.

The question I asked a couple of weeks ago still stands, though: Why is it the government’s job to hand out money to private enterprise again?

Post from: Zoomi Life

Congressional Bill Passes: DOE to Begin Funding 3-Wheeled Vehicles

A voluntary recall has been issued by Zero Motorcycles, through the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, for the Zero X and Zero MX model year 2009 machines, which affects about 200 units.  The recall was issued after Zero became aware of a problem with throttles sticking, leaving the motorcycles in the open position (ON or moving).

When the units are in “Easy” (aka “0-25 Mode”), this can cause the bike to accelerate as soon as it’s turned on, resulting in some obvious problems for the rider.

The recall is based on only 3 reports of the problem, but Zero is taking it seriously and has issued a voluntary recall through the CPSC to quickly remedy the situation before it becomes a serious hazard.

Zero is replacing the throttles and safety switches free of charge to fix the problem.

I think this is upstanding behavior on Zero’s part and shows that, even as a young company, they are concerned more about the quality of their products than about any negative PR that might come from them.

Sources: CPSC Recall Notice, Attorney at Law

Post from: Zoomi Life

Recall Notice Given on Zero X and MX Electric Motorcycles

Zero Motorcycles issued a press release today announcing that they’ve received their Certificate of Conformity from the Environmental Protection Agency and have been rated equivalent to 455 miles per gallon under EPA standards!

That’s great news, as this means the Zero S and DS (no word on the Zero X) are now fully street legal machines nationally, as they have already received Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards certification and even have the equivalent to that in Canada.

The other big news is that this puts them into qualification for a 10% federal tax credit and any state tax credits also available. That changes the street price from $9,950 to $8,996 for most U.S. buyers.

Pretty awesome news from Zero.

Source: Zero Motorcycles

Post from: Zoomi Life

Zero Motorcycles Gets EPA Certificate of Conformity for 455mpg!

Google is working on a project called RechargeIT at their .org wherein the IT geeks are coming up with some smart charging software to work as a sort of localized smart grid for plug-in electric cars.  The idea is to teach the car when to best charge itself so as not to overtax the grid.

The Google team plans to fix all of this with a couple of lines of code.  Maybe an egg timer.  Not clear on how many levers or marbles rolling down little channels into cups there will be.  If there’s a bowling ball that falls off something to bounce something else in the air?  I totally want one of these.

OK, maybe there’s no Rube Goldberg going on here.  There should be, but I don’t think there is.  I think it’s just software.  You know, that invisible stuff that makes your computer do stuff.  I was really hoping for more excitement than that.  You know?  New software?  Come on.  Gimme a break.   B-O-R-I-N-G

Boring, but vital.  You see, stupid places like California have over-taxed electrical grids. Even now that Enron isn’t running the show, they can’t seem to get it working right.  So they already have problems with an antiquated, overtaxed, under-producing grid shuttling wild electrons into people’s homes and offices in a thoroughly unreliable way.  Add a bunch of new electrical appliances like a big fleet of plug-in Priuses?  Bad.

So the plan is for Google’s new software to integrate with the smart grid and turn charging for the electric vehicle on and off according to the grid’s ability to provide power. If no smart grid exists, the software can be set to be on a timer to not draw power during peak load times of the day.

The team has been hard at work on RechargeIT since 2007.  They are working on some other innovations as well.  Such as using plugged in cars as energy storage units for the grid.  One or two cars won’t ad much, of course, but imagine a thousand of them in one city.

There are obviously some problems with this, which is probably why they haven’t finished their project after two years. You know, problems like how if a person has their car plugged in half the day and then comes out to find it still empty, that person is probably going to rip their code out from under the hood and shove…

Sources: PopSci, Google

Post from: Zoomi Life

Googling Your Prius - Google’s Smart Charging Software

Meet the G-3, one of three models currently offered by Global Green Cars. This one is my favorite, though I’m not sure if the cargo is included in the sale price or not. You’re looking at the most American-made small pickup truck on the market. Bar none.

The company that builds these started in the 1990s under BAT International (as subdivision Green Star Products Int). They were one of only four companies at that time which had a working prototype electric on-the-road vehicle. They comprised three of the seven vehicles offered for testing to the government’s EV America program in 1994.

Located in Kentucky, the company makes three vehicles: a proprietary 2-seat coupe, a converted SUV, and a proprietary small (1/2 ton equivalent) pickup truck.

The G-1 (pictured above) is a coupe designed from the ground up to be a low-cost, first or second car and commuter. It has a top speed of 100mph and a range of 100, 160, or 250 miles per charge depending on your package.

Now get this: the MSRP on this car is $18,000 for the 100 mile option, $25,000 for teh 160 mile option, and $30,000 for the 250 mile option. $18,000 for a working, freeway-capable battery electric?! Holy crap!

The G-1 has a front and rear trunk, is shown without color as the wheels, colors, seat types, etc. are all fully customizable on order, and it has a steel safety cage and all the requirements for USDOT highway use. It’s currently being sold in Asia in several markets.

The G-2 is a converted SUV. It’s obviously a Mitsubishi, which the company sources without motors or transmission and then adds electrical components to. It has a 100 mile in-town range, a speed of 50mph, and sells for $26,950. It’s obviously not freeway capable, but is meant for the around-towner and the suburbanite.

Finally, we come upon the G-3. This one, as I said, is my favorite. It has a range of about 125 miles, carries two passengers (jumper seats in the ex cab, but they aren’t counted), and a top speed of 80mph. It comes in yellow or white and with your choice of bed style: 3-side fold-down, flatbed, dumper bed, standard pickup bed (w/ tailgate), and a box van or refrigerated van.

It’s capable of about a half ton in carrying capacity (1,000 pounds or so), and seems very capable. I’d be more than happy with one of these (even without the great cargo in the pics) and, for the record (hint), I prefer yellow.

The G-3 is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a small gasoline generator on board. It gets 100mpg(e)+ in this configuration.

Global Green Cars seems to be the quiet EV company that nobody’s heard about, but with great products. I hope to see more of them on the road. They are currently awaiting FMVSS and NHTSA approvals for their two proprietary forms, but are taking interested buyers’ queries.

Post from: Zoomi Life

Global Green Cars - Affordable American-Made Electric Vehicles

In two months, a bare frame became this awesome ride.  That’s all it took Tom Miceli to build his electric motorcycle, which he calls the Ion.  Now, it’s his resume as he looks for a career in industrial design.  The Ion was his senior project at Appalachian State University.  Hope he got an A+.

The bike started as a 1996 Kawasaki ZX6 Ninja.  Tom stripped it down, took his measurements, and began his design and build.  With several CAD model iterations, motorcycle magazine cutouts, and some real talent for aesthetics, he finally had what he wanted on paper.

To make it real, he had only two months if he wanted to get the grade.  He started work on the chassis, adding 24 40Ah li-ion phosphate batteries (about 3kWh), a 95lb-ft torque motor (AC), a controller, and a quick test ride to make sure it all worked. At that point, the bike was weight equivalent to the original Ninja.  Exactly as planned.

His weight distribution put the center of gravity at roughly bottom-center, just as the original had.

Miceli then began on the body work and street-legal components (lighting and so forth).

The bike’s top speed is 70mph and it has a range of up to 60 miles on a charge, which takes about six hours at 110v. Miceli continues to tweak the Ion, post-graduation, as he uses it to find himself a new job as a moto-designer.

With the help of his father, an electrical engineer, the graduate is planning some serious upgrades to the bike.  He doesn’t think the acceleration is as good as it could be and he wants more speed and range.  So he’s going to upgrade to 60Ah batteries and will ad a self-designed 2-speed transmission that will get up to about 50mph in first gear and double that in second.  Yep.  100mph.

And yes, he got an “A” from his professor for the bike.

Source: Wired

Post from: Zoomi Life

Killer DIY Electric Motorcycle Becomes Creators Resume

Mission Motors debuted their Mission One concept at the TED conference in anticipation of the TTXGP.  Now, the Mission One has broken the barrier by taking the AMA’s record for top speed for an electric motorcycle by hitting 150mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

The officially recorded speed was 150.059mph, but one unofficial warmup speed was clocked at 161mph.

It’s likely, the Mission Motors team asserts, that the speed record could be broken by the One at a future date.  The conditions on the day of the recorded speed were less than optimal and the unrecorded 161mph was taken when the bike was running in much lower crosswinds than it faced when it broke the record officially.

Even better for those interested in the future of electric motorcycles: this record was broken with a production prototype, not a specialty bike made for racing or concept.  The Mission One design on the Salt Flats is the same one that will be available for sale next year.

The record-breaking motorcycle was ridden by Jeremy Cleland (center-right, above), who you’ll remember was also on the team for Mission Motors’ TTXGP entry.  Cleland is a recognized AMA and AFM racer and was more than impressed with the bike he’s been riding for Mission.

Source: Mission Motors

Post from: Zoomi Life

Mission Accomplished! Mission One Breaks Motorcycle Speed Record

Of everything Honda will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this month, this Skydeck concept is likely the most innovative in terms of design.  This concept is literally made to showcase only one thing: Honda’s IMA technology, which will be the future of Honda’s EVs (hybrids, battery, and fuel cell).

The Skydeck itself is a 6-seater wagon-style MPV with a hybrid power train.  Nearly all of its components, including batteries, are housed in a central tunnel that runs the length of the car.  This gives it much more interior room, keeps all of the seats level with one another, and slings the center of gravity low for better handling and safety.

The concept is pretty cool and moving batteries from under or behind the seats definitely increases cabin space.  That is the focus of this particular concept for now.

Source: Honda

Post from: Zoomi Life

Honda Introduces New Skydeck Concept

Another showcase at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show will be Honda’s EV-N concept.  This fun little car is based on the 1960s N360 micro car.  Honda has made it clear that this is a design-only car and will not likely see production, but it’s a fun concept to look over regardless.

The car features solar panels on the rooftop, retro styling, and it seats four.

I think the car looks kind of cool, in an Austin Powers/Pink Panther kind of way, and think it might make a big hit in Europe and trendy parts of America.  Were it ever to see production, that is.  Oh well.  It’s nice to look at.  Here’s the original N360 (360cc) it was based on:

Source: Honda

Post from: Zoomi Life

Honda Introduces EV-N Battery Electric Concept Car

As promised, the CR-Z, the car Honda says is the world’s first series-production sports hybrid car from a major OEM, is in its 2009 incarnation and is the likely prototype to be what the 2010 production will look like.  The new car is slated to go on sale in 2010 as a 2011 model.

This car is part of the CR platform, which is used on several models including the famous FCX Clarity hydrogen vehicle.  This vehicle is a gas-electric hybrid with a 6-speed manual transmission.  No word on whether that manual will be the U.S. version as well, as automatics are more often offered here.

The CR-Z 2009 Concept will be showcased at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show where Honda has the largest display of any manufacturer at the event.

Source: NewsPress, Honda UK

Post from: Zoomi Life

Honda CR-Z Concept Hybrid Sports Car Slated For 2010 Production

We promised when we mentioned the debuts at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show that we’d get into more detail with some of them.  Mitsubishi’s concept they’re calling the PX MiEV was one of those.  This is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) styled as a crossover SUV/sedan.

In fact, the “PX” in its name stands for “Plug-in Xover.”  Not exactly what I think of when I hear “PX”: pixels and where to buy beer on base.  But hey, they’re Japanese. They drink sake.

So this new PX is also a MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle) and uses the new Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System (MPHS). Not enough initialization for ya?  How about the MBMV (Mega Bigass Mileage Vehicle) that this PX is?

This concept is a front and all-wheel drive with two motors (one per axle) whose plug-in hybrid system gives it the equivalent of 118mpg US. One hundred and eighteen miles to the gallon in an SUV, folks.  Ya, I know, it doesn’t say GMC on it.  I guess they missed one of their capitalizations there.  :/

So this PX puts out 60kW (total) or 200Nm (148lb-ft) of torque with those motors.  It’s 1.6L MIVEC engine (gasoline) puts out 70kW (generator) and can also power the front axle.  Everything is coordinated by…wait for it… the MiEV OS.  Sorry, not your iPod or Palm.  I was kind of hoping for that.  I’m sure there’ll be an app.

Anyway, the PX operates in three modes: EV, Series Hybrid, and Parallel Hybrid.  In addition to that, it also has Charging Mode and Home Power Supply Mode.

EV is obvious: it’s running all-electric.  Normally, it runs only the front-axle motor (to save power) unless accelerating heavily or when the vehicle has been manually or automatically put into 4WD mode.

Series hybrid is just what it says. When the system notes that the batteries have decharged down to a predetermined level, the engine will switch on and act as a generator-only to recharge those batteries.  It is otherwise running as an EV.  In this mode, the engine is capable of 70kW of power generation.

Parallel hybrid is when the engine takes over powering the front axle.  Synchronization can occur allowing for the motor on the rear axle to run in parallel with the front axle.  In this mode, the engine is capable of generating up to 85kW of power, depending on the RPM load.

During all three of those operations, the motors can put load on the axles during downhill coasting to regenerate power for the batteries.  This is in addition to the standard regenerative braking they do.

Charging mode is when the vehicle is being charged via a wall outlet.  It can be pre-programmed to automatically start charging at a specified time as well. This allows the owner to pull into the garage after work, say, plug the PX in and set the timer to begin charging at 10pm when the power is cheaper or grid usage is lower.  The system will wait until that time to begin charging.  The climate controls can similarly be set to begin at a preset time.  Both can also be done via remote control from the keyfob.

The home power supply mode is interesting. It basically means that the vehicle can be used as a power source during blackouts, high-energy consumption days, disasters, etc.  A built-in 110v socket in the trunk of the PX allows it to be used this way when camping or tailgating as well.

Overall, this is a very cool concept when compared with some of the other stuff out there right now.  No word on when it could be put on the showroom floor, but I suspect it’s at least three years away.

For more, visit this writeup from Green Car Congress.

Post from: Zoomi Life

The New Mitsubishi PX MiEV Plug-in Hybrid Concept SUV

Officially opening on October 24, the Tokyo Motor Show is already getting in the news as a few participants make early announcements about what they’ll be showcasing at the East’s largest auto event.  So far, interesting stuff from Suzuki, Mitsubishi, and Honda have been announced.

Suzuki will be showing three new concept cars: a mini called the Alto, a plug-in hybrid of the Swift, and the latest SX4-FCV fuel cell vehicle which first appeared in 2008.  The Swift PHEV has a 12 mile battery range and a tiny 660cc engine to generate more power.  The SX4-FCV still uses the 80kW GM fuel cell stack, though GM sold their stock in Suzuki several years ago.  The SX4 is now being tested on public roads and may see production soon.

Mitsubishi plans to hit the show in a big way, with a total of 16 vehicles to hit the runway. Ten of those are current-production models which qualify for Japanese eco-car tax incentives.  Two concepts of interest, though, are the PX-MiEV plug-in hybrid and the new i-MiEV CARGO.  The PX-MiEV is the showcase for the company’s new PHEV system and is a crossover minivan/SUV which gets an estimated 118mpg(US) equivalent.  The i-MiEV CARGO is an extended version of the i-MiEV which ads a lot of rear cargo space and is to be marketed towards small package delivery and similar fleets.

Honda also has some big plans for the show, with three brand new concept revelations promised. The CR-Z prototype will showcase Honda’s latest innovations in the IMA tech that Honda has been promoting as their next-generation PHEV.  This car first appeared in 2007 and is slated for production next year.  The other is an all-electric mini called the EV-N and the last is a hybrid six-seater called the Skydeck, which is meant to show how IMA can be applied to larger vehicles.

We’ll have more on the vehicles mentioned here over the coming weeks and through the show, of course.  This looks like a very tantalizing year in Tokyo!

Source: Tokyo Motor Show

Post from: Zoomi Life

Tokyo Motor Show 2009: Early Announcements for Participants Are Enticing

Tesla Motors announced what most in the industry probably saw coming: their in-house platform for the Model S sedan will be in later models too.  Using a platform to create a series of vehicle models is nothing new and is, in fact, standard practice in the industry.  The new models planned include a minivan, a crossover SUV, and a utility van.

Some of the R&D to accomplish these new models will likely be funded with the newly-secured Department of Energy loan that Tesla received.  Given that the Model S doesn’t debut until 2011, however, don’t expect to see these new offerings from Tesla anytime soon either.

Tesla also announced two specific projects that the DoE money will go towards now. Those include the planned Model S production facility in Southern California (likely in the LA-area where Tesla has been shopping for real estate).  It also includes their new facility to be built in Northern California for powertrain components and manufacture to be used for both the Tesla in-house models as well as supply to other manufacturers including as part of their deal with Daimler.

Source: Tesla Blog

Post from: Zoomi Life

Tesla Moves Towards the Future With the Model S Platform

A few days ago, we brought you news of Vision Motor’s plans to sell their hydrogen fuel-cell big trucks through LA Freightliner.  Balqon, the other big player in this electric big trucks game, has now announced that they will be producing an on-road highway-ready version of their trucks as well.

Previously, we talked about the drayage trucks that Balqon is already producing for dockside service in Southern California.  Now that technology is being used to build Class 7 and 8 heavy trucks for on-road service in short-haul applications.

The first model, the Mule 150, uses the lithium-ion batteries and electric power train that Balqon has put in their port trucks.  The Mule 150 is capable of carrying up to 7 tons, can travel at 55mph (California speed limit for large vehicles) and has an unloaded range of 150 miles and a fully-loaded range of 90 miles.

The Mule 150 uses the same battery pack that the drayage trucks do as well as the same motor technology.  It’s built on a cab-over design in safety steel.  It’s expected to release this quarter and has already undergone safety and performance testing. No word yet on who is supplying the box and accessories (explaining why they’re drawn in on the publicity photo above).  Those are traditionally built by someone other than the vehicle manufacturer, often to customer spec.

Expect to see these operating around the Los Angeles and San Diego areas soon!

Source: Balqon

Post from: Zoomi Life

Balqon Not To Be Left Behind: New Highway-Ready Electric Truck

Nissan revealed the LEAF electric car in August with announced plans to begin sales in 2010 with a production target date of late 2010/early 2011.  This is further confirmed by the latest announcement that they’ll begin taking pre-orders in North America starting in the Spring of 2010.  Their goal is a U.S. pre-sales target of 20,000 cars before launch.

That’s a pretty big goal, but Nissan claims that over 22,000 Americans have contacted them since the car unveiled in August, so it’s not totally out of reach.  But it’s close, in my opinion.  Although, given the popularity of the much less practical i-MiEV, I guess it’s maybe more plausible than I might think.

Nissan is setting up a new opt-in system where potential owners can sign up to receive updates on when and where they can get a test drive and when they’ll be able to expect delivery in their area. Of course, the opportunity for more marketing won’t be lost either.  Nissan’s own research shows that about 70% of their interested market resides in areas where it will first come in (California, New York, etc.) and at least half of those 22,000 who’ve contacted Nissan say they want to get a LEAF ASAP.

The LEAF is a medium-sized hatchback that seats five adults.  It’s range is 100 miles per charge on its lithium-ion pack at 24kWh with an output of 90kW.  It’s motor is a synch AC with 80kW and torque deliveryof 280Nm (207lb-ft).  It’s top speed is 90mph.

While that’s exciting, the range is based on urban mileage, not on highway commute driving, so it will be considerably less at highway speeds.  Regardless, it’s pretty impressive.

The charging point is under the Nissan logo in the hood and it can be brought to 80% in about thirty minutes on it’s quick-charger and to full in about eight hours on a 200V outlet.

I think that the contemporary look of the LEAF will make it more popular than some of its counterparts.  I also expect that it’s price point will be comparable to similar gas vehicles, as Nissan has promised.  Production will initially be in Japan, but is expected to expand to the Nissan plant in Tennessee as demand rises.

Sources: Green Car Congress, Nissan

Post from: Zoomi Life

The New Nissan LEAF and Planned U.S. Pre-Sales in 2010

Microsoft announced that Ford will be amongst the company’s trusted partners who’ll be upgrading to Windows 7 when the new operating system comes out. Being in the “early adoption” game, Ford has apparently decided to risk it all on something that, frankly, doesn’t have a very good track record.

So don’t be surprised if your 2010 Ford is full of bugs, crashes a lot, and doesn’t perform to spec. I would also avoid other early adopters like Continental Airlines, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and Intel.

Looking through the list, I was kind of bummed to see that some others I’d hoped would be there weren’t.  Like the Obama Broadcasting Company and that Verizon guy.  Oh well.

Pseudo-Source: Edmunds

Post from: Zoomi Life

Ford to Upgrade to Windows 7, Crash May Be Imminent

Volkswagen introduced their L1 diesel hybrid car in Frankfurt last week.  It appeared amidst fanfare, lots of lighting, and a group of dancers that appeared to be straight off the set of West Side Story or Lipstick.  When I see that kind of pomp around a car, I immediately assume it’s a pile of crap being over-promoted to save some executive’s reputation.  Sort of like the Chevy Volt.

Anyway, the L1 is a tiny little car that seats two, one behind the other.  It’s a concept, of course, and wouldn’t see production for at least four years if it does at all.  It does get 170mpg and it’s a diesel-electric rather than a gas-electric hybrid.  It’s basically a bullet with four wheels and a flip-up roof/door.

It’s also innovative in that its name comes from it’s core concept: a 1-liter, 2 cylinder diesel engine providing power to the motor.  Yep, one liter, I said.  That’s it. It runs in two modes providing either 20 or 29 kilowatts, depending on the driver’s needs.  The lower setting uses much less power and provides about 26hp while the higher setting uses more power and provides 39hp.  The engine itself mates to a 10kW motor which ties into a 7-speed automatic gearbox.

The car isn’t a plug-in, however, as the electric motor only kicks in to provide extra umph to the diesel engine.  It does have a small li-ion battery pack, but they didn’t provide any specs.

I both like and dislike this concept.  It’s way too small to be practical, it is unique-looking, but it doesn’t have the sexiness of a Roadster or any other two-seater.  It also only weighs 900 pounds, which is a real detriment to real driving anywhere but on city streets.  Overall, I think it’s neat to look at, but I’d never buy one.

Post from: Zoomi Life

VW’s 170mpg Diesel Hybrid Debuts With the Dancers From West Side Story

When I saw this car, I had two reactions: “Holy @#$@#$ that’s bad!@#$!” and “Aww, you just suck.”  The first reaction was on seeing the car and finding out what it can do.  The second was on finding out who can drive it and why I can’t be one of those people.

The e1 is a current-production (limited, of course) electric race car designed by E-Wolf.  Various other lightweight body, frame, and power train specialists from Europe brought in the expertise to make the car reality.  Here’s what it can do:

• total curb weight of 1,102 pounds
• 0-62 miles in less than 5 seconds
• maximum speed of 143mph
• range of 200 miles

Now for the bummer: only jockeys can drive the thing.  Or at least, people under 150 pounds.  So we’re talking my wife, the dog, and maybe some underfed supermodels.  That’s about it.  The price tag is only €150,000.  Cheap!

The batteries and motor are pretty innovative and are a large part of the capabilities and very light weight here.  The batteries are lithium-ion cells from Li-Tec with a ceramic membrane that weigh only 185 pounds in total. (Assuming I’m reading the original right, as that seems awful light for the power and range.)

The motor is a 110kW AC induction, qudrapolar/liquid-cooled that puts out 150hp or 250Nm maximum torque (about 185lb-ft).  That from only 16kWh from those batteries.

The next generation of the e1 will be the e2 (how obvious is that?), being designed now.  It will be out in 2011 and will raise that max torque to 1,000Nm, be in a Lamborghini style 2-seater with roughly the same speed and range. That car, obviously, will be much larger than the e1’s punitive 3.33 meter length, 1.71 meter width and 1.22 meter height.  No wonder you have to be a jockey to drive the e1.  Eh?

Still, it’s awful cool to look at.

Post from: Zoomi Life

The E-Wolf e1 Electric Race Car

For some reason I can’t really figure out, a lot of electric vehicle industry buzz surrounds the Mitsubishi i-MiEV.  The little battery electric gets a lot of attention.  I haven’t figured out why either, because these cars are ugly, only kind of impressive in performance, and don’t exactly have much about them that says “safe.”

Mostly, though, they’re just ugly.

But apparently they’ve got quite the following. I won’t knock that and I guess mine is not to question why.  Not that this has stopped me before.  Ask my parents.  My dad bought me an encyclopedia set when I was in the second grade because he was tired of my questions.  “Go look it up,” was his new mantra.

Not that this is really relevant to the story at hand.  That being that since going into pre-sales in July, the i-MiEV has managed to get at least 1,400 pre-orders. Given that production in the first year (2010) for the little EV was only supposed to total 1,000 for export and 5,000 for domestic, Japanese sales, that could mean that they’re selling out.

Of course, Mitsubishi hasn’t actually built one to begin filling those orders - every i-MiEV so far is either a show model or has been sold to corporations and governments.  Officially, manufacture for customer orders won’t begin until late this year.

Don’t be surprised if the next couple of months has Mitsubishi throwing out newly updated production numbers if this demand is real.  Doing so would give them a chance to corner a huge segment of the brand new EV market that emerging with popularity now.

Source: Green Car Advisor

Post from: Zoomi Life

Want an i-MiEV? Sucks to Be You Then. They’re Sold Out

In mid-January, America’s largest auto show, the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, will take place.  The show will feature the usual suspects and showcases, but will have a special addition: a multi-manufacturer/maker electric vehicles area called “Electric Avenue.”

Without quoting ’80s pop tunes, the idea is somewhat controversial in Motor City.  Given the looming date of the show, it’s not likely that many manufacturers will have production electric vehicles to showcase on Electric Ave, but some companies like REVA of India will likely see it as a great chance to showcase their “already out there” wares.

Since the electrics shown at the Frankfurt show this year were such a hit, it’s unlikely that NAIAS will back off from their announced Electric Ave plans.

Source: AO

Post from: Zoomi Life

Next Year’s Detroit Auto Show to Feature Multi-Maker EV Area

Back in April, we reported that Vision Industries (Vision Motor Corp) had completed second-stage load testing with their Tyrano trucks for Los Angeles Freightliner.  The Tyrano is a hydrogen fuel-cell powered truck whose current incarnation is as a day cab (daily delivery) Class 8 (80,000 GVW) truck.  On Monday, Vision announced that they had signed a deal with LA Freightliner to distribute the Tyrano.

This means that Los Angeles Freightliner (a dealer of Freightliner trucks) will be the first authorized dealer for the Tyrano fuel-cell big rigs.  Vision expects to begin production as early as year’s end or early 2010.

LA Freightliner is no newbie when it comes to alternative-fuel trucks and were responsible for the largest single deployment of LNG trucks in the nation. The Vision Tyrano will be initially used as a port drayage and short-haul delivery truck.  Unlike the Balqon drayage truck, it is licensed for unlimited road use, so it will be able to carry loaded trailers over city roads and highways for Southern California deliveries.

Pretty cool!

Here’s some specs on the production Tyrano:

• Carries 33kg gaseous hydrogen
• 340 mile estimated range
• 402hp
• 3,200lb-ft torque

Most conventional diesel combustion trucks have engines with 425-475hp, but much less torque than the Tyrano.  They also only have maximum torque through a relatively small RPM range (usually a 400-800rpm window), whereas the Tyrano has maximum torque from 0rpms.

Source: Vision Motors

Post from: Zoomi Life

Vision Motors Signs Distribution Agreement With LA Freightliner for Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Trucks

If you think that bus stops are just a place to sit on a bench and wait for a bus, that’s because you haven’t elevated your thinking to the 21st century.  Imagine that instead of a dubiously-graffiti’d bench in an inadequate rain shelter you instead are confronted with no bench, but a rack of folding electric rental bikes.  This is the concept that Tuvie has designed.

At this point, your reaction dictates your inner thought process and indicates whether you should spend less time with the iPod full of gangster rap and more time in the pew staring at lit candles.  If your reaction is “Hell ya, G, let’s Rip n Roll!” then you definitely need to lay off the iPod.

I’ll admit something right off the bat, though.  While I can see this concept as being a good idea, I have little to no perspective to lend to it.  I have ridden a bus only a handful of times and that was in the dense urban environment of Salt Lake City, Utah.  That town was, incidentally, the largest city I’ve ever lived in as well.  So I’m not exactly an experienced urbanite or downtown maven.  So for those of you who commute to work riding buses and subways and whatnot: more power to ya, but I can’t relate.

Given that, I can say that this concept appears to be great.  Assuming the kinks like how the rentals will be paid and accounted for, what kind of shape they’ll be in when returned, etc. can be worked out, it’s a pretty good plan.

The basic idea is simple: bikes are folded and stored in their hubs (where the bench normally is at a bus stop).  These hubs charge and also act as the rental return/release spots.  Renters are obviously bus riders, so your bus pass could also act as your rental card for the bikes or a per-use rental setup could be used.  Riders store the bikes at the hub when boarding the bus or when they’ve reached their destination.

Pretty simple and innovative.  Given the above-mentioned thug mentality many of our current generations have, though, I doubt it’s realistic on any scale outside of upscale urbania.

Source: Tuvie

Post from: Zoomi Life

Bus Stops and Bicycle Rentals Combine to Sit You Down on An Electric Ride

Remember the “Electric car in every garage” that Myers Motors promoted earlier this year?  Well, they’ve taken another step towards providing a realistic electric vehicle for the masses: the NMG² (a temporary name, more on that in a minute).  This car seats two and has the same electric characteristics as its younger NMG cousin, but also some nice improvements.

First, it seats two so it’s not as skinny as its earlier counterpart, but that’s an improvement in my book because it’s a big step towards getting people to really think about owning one as more than just a novelty.  The next big step is an improvement in range, now going up to 60 miles per charge with an optional 100 miles per charge available. Top speed is still 75mph and it promises to be a bit roomier inside.

Interestingly, it appears that their price point will remain at about $30,000 for both this and the smaller model, though I suspect that once all of the older NMGs are sold, they’ll be gone.

Design and aesthetic improvements are immediately obvious. The lines and curves have been softened and extended to make it much more pleasing and conventional.  The “peapod” look of the old NMG is gone with a slightly longer hood and the addition of two front headlights, though the distinctive single headlight centered in the hood is still there.  The three-wheeled design remains, but the rear end has been fattened and given more detail to look less goofy.

Interior photos aren’t yet available, but will be soon, so we’ll keep you updated.  Announced interior updates include the option of air conditioning and more room, including cargo space. Pre-orders will begin on October 21st and delivery is expected to be early next year.

The next big announcement, as I alluded to earlier, is the name.  NMG² is just temporary until a new name is chosen from submissions by the public.  Yep, that means you and I both have a chance to submit names and, if your entry is chosen, you’ll get a six month lease on the car paid for.  Entries can be submitted now and the contest runs until November 1st.

Think you have a great name?  Go to Myers and tell them.  Think you’ll win?  Fat chance, buddy, because my name RULES.  Go ahead and try, though.  I’m sure you’re used to coming in second place. haha

Post from: Zoomi Life

Myers Motors Finally Reveals Their Latest NMG Electric 3-Wheeler