By John Addison (9/21/10)
The best electric cars for 2011 will be on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show starting this November 17. Featured will be plug-in cars that can be ordered and delivered in 2011 including the Nissan LEAF, the Chevrolet Volt, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Coda, and Fisker. Also displayed will be hot electric cars and concepts for 2012 and beyond.
SUV drivers that want to go electric will be excited to see the new aerodynamic 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV, the result of Toyota’s partnership with Tesla. The popular SUV will use Tesla’s lithium-ion battery packs. Toyota has been testing prototypes of the car. At last year’s show I also saw the Toyota’s new Prius Plug-in and electric concept cars from Honda and VW. I expect a few new surprises at this year’s show including one or several plug-ins from Ford.
California Leads Nation in Electric Cars
Most major automakers have announced plans for an electric car in the next few years and Los Angeles will receive the first arrivals in the next several months. There are over 40,000 electric cars on the U.S. roads now, although the vast majority does not exceed 25 mph. There are over 25,000 electric cars in California, and California leads the nation in hybrid cars, so this auto show is a natural for an electric showcase for 2011.
“After years of anticipation, electric vehicles are finally here,” said Andy Fuzesi, LA Auto Show general manager. “It may take years for electric vehicles to be accepted broadly, but it’s undeniable that an electric era has officially begun.”
For the first time ever, the coveted Green Car of the Year® award nominees will feature electric vehicles. The focus of the Green Car of the Year® award is to recognize significant environmental achievement in a production vehicle. Having electric vehicles qualify for the prestigious award is further evidence that the modern electric car era is finally beginning in earnest. The winner will be unveiled at an LA Auto Show press conference on Nov. 18.
Significant announcements about infrastructure are also expected at the show. Specifically, one of the region’s major utility providers, Southern California Edison, will have experts on hand to answer questions. Several charging stations will be on display at the show.
See You at the Los Angeles Auto Show
The 2010 LA Auto Show will feature at least 20 world debuts and more than 20 North American debuts. Press Days, Nov. 17 and 18, will feature more than 25 press conferences from manufacturers around the globe. To receive the latest show news and information visit LAautoshow.com.
I will be reporting from the LA Auto Show about the best new electric and hybrid cars. I will give you my impressions after taking a few test drives.
