In light of recent initiatives from government and public, for car makers to move more into green and economic, Ford announced that it will Invest more than $550 million to convert existing truck assembly factory in Michigan to new plant devoted to building new all electric car – Electric Ford Focus.
While General Motors and Chrysler got bailout money from government, Ford declined the help and decided to do it on its own! Few days ago Chrysler filed for bankruptcy and GM is nearing that point, it looks like Ford is progressing ahead and returning to profitability. Ford is doing that by restructuring its production lines to produce more fuel efficient vehicles. Part of Ford’s answer to efficient next generation product is a first electric car.
"We're changing from a company focused mainly on trucks and SUVs to a company with a balanced product lineup that includes even more high-quality, fuel-efficient small cars, hybrids and all-electric vehicles," explained Ford's Mark Fields. "As customers move to more fuel-efficient vehicles, we'll be there with more of the products they really want."
New Ford will be all about fuel economy and the electrification of vehicles, and battery-electric Focus is a first step in this direction. Ford hinted that Focus will be equipped with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. Focus is a result of development collaboration with Magna International and will go into production and world wide sale in 2011.
Earlier this week, Tesla Motors unveiled its second car, the Model S sedan. Tesla showcased a working prototype car, but press was not allowed to do test runs. Model S will bare price tag of 57.400 USD, but after $7.500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles, its base price will drop to psychologically more attractive price $49,900. Would that make you buy electric car?
After high end Tesla Roadster which is already selling, Model S sedan will target mid range. Model S is believed to be a major step toward mainstream electric car, and some even say it will be first mass produced electric car in world (GM's EV1 was hand-built and reached total production of about 1,100 units from 1996 to 1999; and other electric cars like Toyota's RAV4 EV were in fact gasoline cars converted to electric propulsion). Model S will be a four-door luxury sedan, that will share power train components with Tesla Roadster. This means it will have a 1,000-pound (500 kg) battery pack of more than 6,800 lithium-ion cells. Its range will remain around 240 miles (390 km) per charge, similar to what Roadster achieves today.
In late 2011 when Model S hits the roads, it will (luckily for us) find itself in tough competition from electric vehicles made by other manufacturers. Model S will remain pure electric vehicle, as it will have no secondary engine (like hybrids, and plug-in hybrids). Competition will include future models of Toyota Prius and Honda Hybrids, upcoming electric cars from Nissan, Mitsubishi and of course highly anticipated Chevy Volt, but also Tesla's competitor - Fisker Automotive. If Chinese manufacturers BYD's promise will hold, US roads will also be swarmed with smaller and cheaper electric cars. Price-wise Model S will compete against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5-Series and the Audi A6. Highly anticipated GM Volt is scheduled to go on sale in November 2010. Its price will be about $40,000, and its range on batteries will be only 40 miles. Volt will include small gasoline engine that will extend the range. Tesla admitted it considered hybrid technology, but after careful review, they decided that future of transportation is pure electric vehicle.
Electric cars have been known all over the globe and each country has been working their way to give off something for the problems that are faced with the use of this kind of transportation. While the electric vehicles have been the profound solution for the oil demands and the carbon dioxide pollution, Australia identified two disadvantages of this. One, it has a shorter driving length capacity. Second, charging stations are not yet established for long range traveling. Because of this, the world responded for its solution where Australia spared $667 million to put up electrical charging network in major cities.
In Denmark, the creation of Shai Agassi of the grid battery supply for the electric cars will be commenced. In Israel, they have already come in conjunction with Europe to work on the alternative energy research so it will be a good one and when there are identified problems, it will be addressed accordingly. It also concerns the several environmental conditions that the globe will have in the future decades to come, so it will be better to start research as soon as possible to save more lives and to save the future generation from misery. Israel also plans to have 500,000 thousands recharging stations so motorists will not have a hard time filling their cars with the right energy that they need to sustain their travel and to make it work for the time that they will be in need of it.
There was much news about congress trying to come up with a new round of tax credit which was targeted to new plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles. These tax credits were ranged from $ 3000 for at least 6kWh battery and $ 7500 for the top most. In middle of all bailout plans this news important for electric cars and hybrids almost got lost…
Currently running Toyota Prius is having a 1.3 kWh battery, so it was stepped down as it was not able to satisfy the minimum criteria. Also the company was unhappy because of the reason the only vehicle is going to qualify in near future is the Chevrolet Volt. After this event there was a legislation passed in the assembly by the president which was supported by 171 out of 263. This legislation explained a complete $ 700 billion bailout plan. Out of this $1 billion were only for a 10 year plan for the plug-in Hybrid and electric cars. This was the moment when Toyota’s fears become law.
The initial requirements were also readjusted because of its inception at the senate. This changed the requirement to qualify to $4168 which was $3000 earlier. At this moment the minimum power requirement was also lowered down to 4kWh from 6kWh. While the maximum limit remained the same. This tax credit was for Chevrolet Volt which was capable of 16 kWh.
The Chevrolet Volt will be initially powered by a 150 HP, 273 lb-ft electric motor. Also there is a 1.4 liter gasoline engine that is primarily used to charge the lithium ion battery present, after the 40 mile distance of the battery is over. Studies and tests have shown that Volt is capable of saving around $1500 per year in the daily commute is 40 miles.
Ford along with Lincoln and Mercury is bringing up the new Mercury Milan into the market by the end of November 2009. The car was first displayed in the Auto Show in November in Los Angeles. This car will be a midsize sedan. The car is still on tests and trials.
Because the car is still not out so no actual details about the specifications and all are available. Though some details are available which are based on rumors. There are three models which are to be launched. All of the three models are hybrids. The engines are quite compatible with the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids. This includes the Atkinson-cycle 2.5- liter I-4 and a series-parallel hybrid transaxle which is from Aisin. There is chance of a larger version that is Milan's 3.0-liter V-6 as Ford is doing considerable amount of work on that. Focus Hybrid will probbably feature same engines as new Hybrid Milan, but will come to market later in 2009.
The new Mercury Milan will have the same roofline as in the current version with many changes in front and rear which are quite noticeable. There are many curves that are introduced in the front starting from the headlamp which quite resembles the Mazda.
The BMW Mini-E is finally going to debut soon. BMW plans to make the Mini-e all-electric, and it will debut at an LA Auto Show. A fleet of MINIs are going to have 5000 battery powercells each and will be released sometime in 2009. Some fo the assembly will take place in England, and then sent to Germany. In Germany, final assembly will take place and the electric motor and batteries will be installed.
The speed for the BMW Mini-Es will be unusual. BMW claims that they will hustle to 62 miles per hour in 8.5 seconds. And thanks to the lithium ion batter pack, they will also be able to cover 150 miles on a full charge.
The upcoming Mini-E will also be a two seater. Because of the battery pack, the back seat will have no space—not even for small kids. This battery pack will be somewhat similar to that of the Tesla Roadster. The Mini-E batter pack will use 5,088 cells arranged as 48 modules. The charging time will depend on the current and the voltage of the specific outlet that the car will be plugged up to. The Mini-E will also supply a high current station to charge the cars with, and it can be installed in the owner’s garage for quicker changes. The full charge can be completed in two and a half hours. More on BMW's first full electric car: Mini-E 2009
Few minutes ago GM’s official news site published pictures of production Volt. These photos end long speculation, teaser shots, and spy photos - recently taken on the set of Transformers 2 movie. It is hard to see full vehicle, as executives are blocking it, but still you see the overall vehicle's final shape. The Volt on pictures to is not actual finished vehicle, but a clay representation of what production model look like.
As you see, the production Chevy Volt is much rounder than the sleek concept version. The concept Volt's unique glass beltline has been replaced by flat black paint to give the same illusion. In its transition from concept to production, many say that Volt now looks more "ordinary" and many bloggers and visitors are already expressing dissatisfaction and disappointment… Well, the reactions are mixed – but we agree with this two opinions:
The original Volt concept looked futuristic for futuristic's sake. This one looks like an actual car that will get GM to the forefront of next-gen automotive innovation.
This car went from super cool…to super lame (Toyota) Prius wanna-be…
Production model of car indeed looks to be watered down, and does have some resemblance with overgrown Prius, but still we agree that it is way more practical than concept (4 doors, more baggage space)…
Every time oil distances above $100/barrel, Chevy Volt finds itself in the middle of daily news. Scheduled for November 2010 launch, General Motors' revolutionary new electric car is still pretty much a mistery, as details and interior photos are scarce… But lately they have been slowly leaking out to the public. The Volt will be able to travel 40 miles on battery power alone thanks to its large lithium-ion battery pack (they are currently testing A123's batteries, and decision on selection will come at year's end). Once the battery level drops below a pre-determined level, a gasoline engine takes over to charge the batteries and keep the vehicle moving.The Volt can also be plugged into a household outlet for overnight charging, so it classifies as plug-in hybrid. First General Motors revealed some exterior, partial shots of the Volt.While they didn't provide much insight into the overall design, they at least gave an idea of what the front light cluster/grill will look like. And its softer lines are a break from the sharp angles of the concept vehicle we saw on last auto moto show.But few days ago an interior shot of the Volt found its way online, and new Volt was cought even on video, while passing thru Tansformers 2 set.If the shots are indeed of the production Volt, it's quite a departure from the traditional center stack we are used to seeing in modern vehicles.
Government of Spain recently confirmed its short-term transportation strategy where electric cars play a crucial role. Strategy calls for at least one million electric cars on Spain’s roads by year 2014. Spain’s Minister for Industry Miguel Sebastian believes that electric cars represent future and also the main driver for new industrial revolution. These highly optimistic predictions are part of wider plan to lower energy usage (up to 10 percents in next two years), which would save approximately 5 billions euros. Also interesting part of this strategy calls for reduction of average speed on Spain’s roads for 20 percent.
Toyota plans to develop special solar panels, that will be sold with limited series of upcoming 2009 Prius – the world’s most popular hybrid. If you thought these will run car on green electricity you are mistaken, as they will solely help power the air conditioning. But still the solar panels should help little vehicle to reach much higher miles-per-gallon figure, some experts estimate it might reach around 100.
Toyota will use Kyocera’s solar cells and with this step Toyota will become first major automaker to use solar power for a serial production vehicle.
Toyota, has sold more than a million Prius models over the past decade and is planning to sell a million hybrids a year sometime after 2010. The car maker plans to produce some 450,000 Priuses at home in 2009, up 60 percent from 2007. The trouble is that almost no one can get a Prius. Supply of the cars is very, very short because Toyota did not anticipate the demand that high oil prices would cause."
In light of recent initiatives from government and public, for car makers to move more into green and economic, Ford announced that it will Invest more than $550 million to convert existing truck assembly factory in Michigan to new plant devoted to building new all electric car – Electric Ford Focus.
While General Motors and Chrysler got bailout money from government, Ford declined the help and decided to do it on its own! Few days ago Chrysler filed for bankruptcy and GM is nearing that point, it looks like Ford is progressing ahead and returning to profitability. Ford is doing that by restructuring its production lines to produce more fuel efficient vehicles. Part of Ford’s answer to efficient next generation product is a first electric car. 
Earlier this week, Tesla Motors unveiled its second car, the Model S sedan. Tesla showcased a working prototype car, but press was not allowed to do test runs. Model S will bare price tag of 57.400 USD, but after $7.500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles, its base price will drop to psychologically more attractive price $49,900. Would that make you 
After high end Tesla Roadster which is already selling, Model S sedan will target mid range. Model S is believed to be a major step toward 
In late 2011 when Model S hits the roads, it will (luckily for us) find itself in tough competition from electric vehicles made by other manufacturers. Model S will remain pure electric vehicle, as it will have no secondary engine (like hybrids, and 
In Denmark, the creation of 
There was much news about congress trying to come up with a new round of tax credit which was targeted to new 
The initial requirements were also readjusted because of its inception at the senate. This changed the requirement to qualify to $4168 which was $3000 earlier. At this moment the minimum power requirement was also lowered down to 4kWh from 6kWh. While the maximum limit remained the same. This tax credit was for Chevrolet Volt which was capable of 16 kWh. 
Ford along with Lincoln and Mercury is bringing up the new Mercury Milan into the market by the end of November 2009. The car was first displayed in the Auto Show in November in Los Angeles. This car will be a midsize sedan. The car is still on tests and trials.
The BMW Mini-E is finally going to debut soon. BMW plans to make the Mini-e all-electric, and it will debut at an LA Auto Show. A fleet of MINIs are going to have 5000 battery power cells each and will be released sometime in 2009. Some fo the assembly will take place in England, and then sent to Germany. In Germany, final assembly will take place and the electric motor and batteries will be installed.
The upcoming Mini-E will also be a two seater. Because of the battery pack, the back seat will have no space—not even for small kids. This battery pack will be somewhat similar to that of the Tesla Roadster. The Mini-E batter pack will use 5,088 cells arranged as 48 modules. The charging time will depend on the current and the voltage of the specific outlet that the car will be plugged up to. The Mini-E will also supply a high current station to charge the cars with, and it can be installed in the owner’s garage for quicker changes. The full charge can be completed in two and a half hours. 
