Electric Cars

Early Owners Love Their Chevrolet Volts

by

Jackson Browne told me that he has only used 8 gallons of gasoline for the 2,000 miles that he has driven his Chevrolet Volt. Jackson is famous as a signer, songwriter, and inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. When it comes to oil, coal, and nuclear, Jackson knows that we are “Running on Empty.” For over 25 years, he has lived off-grid using solar power and wind energy. Now he rides on sunlight, charging his Chevy Volt with renewable energy. Only on a few long trips, has he needed a little gasoline.

Nissan LEAF is first Electric Car to Earn 5-Star Safety

by

Nissan LEAF is the first electric car to earn five stars from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. My wife and I have been driving our Nissan LEAF for over three months. This electric car feels safe to us on city streets and on freeways. The LEAF is easy to charge. It won’t let us drive anywhere if we forget to disconnect the charge point. When backing out of our shared condo parking, the mirrors and backup camera are helpful. The LEAF accelerates well on to freeways, even in the range-extending ECO mode that we almost always use.

New Ford C-MAX Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Challenge Prius V and Volt

by

Ford is ready to give U.S. buyers of crossover SUVs record fuel-economy. Active families want more cargo flexibility and space. With high gas prices they also want over 40 MPG. The new 5-seat C-MAX Hybrid delivers. In 2012 it will compete head-to-head with the new larger Prius V crossover SUV. The Ford C-MAX Energi will challenge the Chevrolet Volt by supporting 5 passengers to the Volt’s 4 and by offering much more cargo flexibility.

Google’s 70 Charge Stations for Employee Electric Cars and GFleet

by

Google has deployed more than 70 charging stations at its worldwide headquarters in Mountain View, CA. Over 100 employees who own electric cars use the charging stations, as well as the company’s growing car sharing program for Googlers (GFleet), which includes Chevrolet Volts, Nissan LEAFs and Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrids. With plans for 250 more charging stations on its campus, and a goal to make 5 percent of its campus parking EV-ready, Google’s installation is the largest workplace charging installation for electric vehicles in the country.

New Electric Vehicles – Save Gas, Save the Planet Excerpt

by

There are over 40,000 electric vehicles in the United States, with more being made and sold every day. In most situations, the limited range and speed of light electric vehicles are acceptable. Several automakers are targeting 2010 to sell electric vehicles in the United States that you can charge in your garage and other places. If you live in a household with more than one car, the EV may be perfect for one of your cars.

Mitsubishi i Electric Car Can Be Reserved for $29,195

by

The new Mitsubishi I, bigger and with more zip for the U.S. market, can now be reserved at a low price of $29,195 that will challenge the Nissan LEAF, Ford Focus Electric, and Honda Fit Electric. Reservations can now be made, with different models and options now priced. My 15-mile test drive of the Mitsubishi demonstrated that it can handle freeways, steep roads, and tight parking spots.

3.2 Million Electric Vehicles and 4.7 Million Charge Points Forecast for 2015

by

A total of 3.2 million plug-in electric vehicles will be sold worldwide by 2015is forecasted by Pike Research. Annual EV sales will cross the 1 million mark for the first time during the same year. More than 4.7 million EV charge points will be installed globally by 2015. Pike Research forecasts that in the United States, the top cities for EV adoption between 2011 and 2017 will be New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Chicago

Renault Leads in Electric Cars and Solar Power for its Manufacturing

by

Renault has received orders for 100,000 of its Renault Fluence Z.E. electric car from Better Place. These electric vehicles are zero emission from battery to wheels, but each car does contribute to tons of CO2 emission over its lifetime. With a stunning 55 MW Trina Solar parking structure, Renault will cut CO2 emissions by 30,000 tons a year.

General Motors Working on 32 Plug-in Hybrid and Electric Cars

by

A General Motors executive recently told a small group that GM is working on 32 electric car derivatives all based on Voltec, the Chevrolet Volt’s electric drive system. Voltec is GM’s architecture and roadmap for a number of exciting vehicles future vehicles with electric drive systems. Volt demand is strong. In 2012, global production capacity is expected to be 60,000 vehicles with an estimated 45,000 to be delivered in the United States.

+ More