Raser Technologies working on 100mpg Hummer H2 plug-in hybrid

Raser Technologies is working in conjunction with powertrain company FEV and its new E-REV is being designed for application in any number of large vehicles, including SUVs and light trucks.


A prototype for the 100mpg SUV is being prepared for its debut at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Detroit later this month, and while the exact specs about the electric drivetrain are still being kept secret we do know that it will run in a similar fashion to the Chevrolet Volt's plug-in hybrid drivetrain.


Hummer may have been one of the most demonized vehicle brands of the decade, with both poor sales figures and a terrible environmental reputation - but now Utah’s Raser Technologies is using the iconic Hummer H2 as a base for its new electric technology, which it claims can give the Hummer a fuel-economy of around 100mpg.


According to Raser Technologies, the SUV will make use of their E-REV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) powertrain and will be able to drive up to 40 miles per day on pure electricity alone. Once this barrier has been reached, petrol in a small four-cylinder combustion engine connected to the electric motor will generate electricity, much the same way that the Volt does.


Whether or not the technology will be sold in consumer applications is unclear as many manufacturers are already developing their own electric vehicles, however, Raser Technologies has already inked a contract with Pacific Gas & Electric to supply that company with two E-REV trucks, with a view to purchasing more. Other commercial contracts may follow, especially considering the need for many businesses to run large vehicles in their fleets as well as the need to cut costs and be seen doing environmentally positive things.
via:motorauthority



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Sigma Motorworks creates electric sportscar based on Ford Mustang

That would be true, assuming the GTE ever makes it into production, which is an awfully big assumption. Automakers like Tesla Motors have shown just how difficult it is to enter the established auto market, even with vehicles as highly desirable as the Roadster and the new Model S -- not mention fistfuls of cash. Of course, we wish them nothing but the best of luck. They're going to need it.


Major components like the front and rear differentials are sourced from Ford, and the GTE's entire cockpit was yanked from an older Mustang. Twin DC electric motors offer up about 100 horsepower each and provide all-wheel drive. A lithium ion battery puts out 144 volts and is said to provide up to 100 miles of range. With a claimed top speed of around 145 mph, Steve Kase, head of development at Sigma Motorworks, says the GTE will be one of the fastest electric cars in the world.


We've caught wind of yet another hopeful American automaker with plans to launch a new electric sportscar in 2010. According to Matias Gorfinkiel, head of operations at Sigma Motorworks, "[The Sigma GTE] is a test bed for a commercial high performance sports model we will bring to the market by early 2010, when we expect to sell 500 cars."
via:autoblog




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Tesla Model S Revealed to Media

Tesla Model S Revealed to Media

Tesla is aiming to steal the limelight from much bigger companies by confirming it will bring into production this electric-drive Tesla Model S in the third quarter of 2011. The 196-inch (4.98m) Model S is the more practical vehicle from Tesla who also build the Tesla Roadster sports car.


Tesla does not seem to have traded performance for practicality on this car. The 0 - 60mph sprint is covered in 5.6 seconds, the quarter mile in 14 seconds and top speed is 120mph (193km/h). It will brake from 60 - 0mph within 135 feet. There is a Sport version planned which will dip under 5 seconds in the 0 - 60mph dash.


Lightweight is the way to go and Tesla has made sure the Model S keeps its weight down to 3,825lbs (1735kg) by using mostly aluminium in its body construction. It achieves a drag coefficient of about .27 which is lower than the Roadster's .35. A single-speed transaxle is used to drive the liquid-cooled 9-inch motor so fewer parts are fitted.


Powering the car is a battery pack made up of 8,000 cells. This gives a range of about 300 miles (483km). Batteries are housed on the floor which frees up plenty of space in other places. For example the space under the traditional bonnet is used for storage. It's a big car which can accommodate five adults plus two children in rear-facing seats under the hatch.



A warranty of 3 to 4 years for the car and 7 to 10 years for the battery pack is expected to be offered. Good news for countries like South Africa, Japan, Australia and the UK is that the Model S will also be sold in right-hand-drive. Indicative pricing is US$49,900.
via:World Car Fans



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EV Innovations to unveil Wave and Inizio electric-cars in New York

Tesla and Fisker are the only two start-ups making a huge wave with the development of their electric-vehicles and plug-in hybrid cars. EV Innovations from Mooresville, N.C. will now jump in on the game with two new electric sports car that will make their debut at the 2009 New York Auto Show.

The first will be a sporty commuter car called the Wave. EV Innovations says that the Wave will have the capability to travel 170 miles on a single charge with a top speed of 80-mph.
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Kia unveils Forte LPI hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in South Korea

Kia has introduced Forte LPI hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), it’s first mass production hybrid car, to the South Korean consumers yesterday. In addition to that, Kia also unveiled its new eco-friendly sub-brand, Eco-Dynamics, an initiative which will bring a host of new eco-friendly technologies and models to the international markets.

The Forte LPI hybrid electric vehicle is powered by an economical mild-hybrid drive system consisting of 1.6L gasoline engine and electric motor. The Liquefied Petroleum Injected (LPI) engine generates 114 horsepower, while electric motor brings additional 20 hp. Equipped with this kind of hybrid system and continuously variable transmission, the Forte achieves a very competitive fuel economy rating of 17.2 kilometers per liter of LPG fuel (41 MPG US), which is equivalent to 21.5 kilometers per liter fuel economy in terms of gasoline, the company said.

To differentiate the Forte hybrid from it’s non-hybrid variants and improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics, some changes have been implemented to the existing exterior design. In front, you will notice a slightly different corporate Kia grille and a restyled front bumper with larger air intake and attractive fog lights design, while at rear, Forte now features a radically redesigned rear bumper and LED equipped taillights. On the inside, Forte LPI hybrid features a Super Vision instrument cluster for hybrid system data and a navigation display.
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Video: Tazzari ZERO EV to Arrive in North America Early 2010

A new electric vehicle is to be produced in Italy under the name Tazzari Zero. By the beginning of 2010 these cars will have begun their import journey into North America through a company called Verdek-EV. Verdek-EV was appointed as the sole distributor for the North America, Mexico and the Caribbean islands region. The Tazzari brand is situated in Italy within the same region as Ferrari and Lamborghini, but unlike those exotics it will concentrate on small electric vehicles.



The lithium-ion battery-powered Tazzari Zero has been tested to return a range of about 88 miles (142km) before a recharge which can take 6.5 hours on a 220 volt power supply unit. It has a rear-wheel-drive motor with peak torque of 150Nm. Tazzari says the Zero produces no emissions and has a top speed of 56mph but it can be limited to between 25mph and 45mph if required.

Measured dimensions for the two-door mini car are 2.88 metres for length, 1.55 metres width and 1.4 metres height.


For interior comfort features that are included are a radio/CD/MP3 player, leather steering wheel, air conditioning, fog lamps, LED tail lights, a removable sunroof and 15-inch custom coloured wheels.

The car's first public showing will be at the Bologna International Motor Show in December. The estimated launch price should be less than €20,000 a pop.
via:World Car Fans



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Mitsubishi to Unveil Plug-In Hybrid Crossover in Tokyo

Mitsubishi Motors will launch a plug-in hybrid crossover at this year's Tokyo auto show in a vehicle that is slightly smaller than an Outlander and which is said to rival Nissan's Qashqai.

The hybrid development is part of Mitsubishi's plan to move its focus from large-engined SUVs to smaller, more efficient powerplants, Gayu Uesugi, head of product development, told headlineauto.
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Fisker accepting orders for Karma S hard-top convertible

The Karma S hard-top convertible was designed and engineered by Quantum Technologies and features the Q-Drive powertrain system that allows for 50 miles of zero-emissions driving on a single charge of its lithium-ion battery pack. It produces up to 403-hp from two electric-motors.


While those interested in the Fisker Karma four-door plug-in hybrid sedan will have to make a deposit of $5,000, buyers looking for some fun in the sun with the Fisker Karma S will have to make a deposit of $25,000. How much will the drop-top Karma go for?


Apparently, the Fisker Karma S Concept is no longer just a concept. We spoke with Fisker Automotive’s public relations chief Russell Datz, who confirmed that the company is indeed taking deposits for the Fisker Karma S with deliveries expected to begin at the end of 2011.


“No pricing announced yet – but it will likely be significantly more than the Karma sedan,” Datz told eGMCarTech in an e-mail. He also said that the first 250 units will be “specially configured” and will be “designated as first-run vehicles and perhaps numbered.”
Source: egmcartech



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Honda Working On Electric Motorcycle For 2010

Honda has announced plans to put an emissions free all-electric motorcycle on sale sometime in 2010. Honda CEO Takeo Fukui said that an electric bike makes sense as the battery characteristics and driving range fits a motorcycle profile - as they are generally used for shorter trips.
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Mission One EV sport bike unveiled - 150 MPH, 150-mile range

Mission One EV sport bike unveiled - 150 MPH, 150-mile range

Mission Motors has just revealed its all-electric sport bike and the family-friendly version of our initial reaction goes something like, "Holy Mother of God and all that is good and decent!", followed immediately by the sound of our jaws hitting the floor. After a couple of years of staying almost perfectly in stealth mode, the Mission One is being unveiled today at the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conference.


The Yves Béhar-designed bike sets a new performance standard for electric two-wheelers with a top speed of 150 mph and an estimated range of 150 miles. Of course, the strength of an electric drivetrain is torque and the Mission One has 100 lb-ft of the stuff on offer from the first twist of the throttle up until 60 mph. When it makes its race debut at the TTXGP on June 12th, we suspect the other entries will be scrappin' it out for second place.


To bring this amazing machine to market, Forrest North and his two co-founders, Edward West and Mason Cabot, have assembled a real dream team with incredible depth and experience and whose resumés list companies like Tesla Motors, Ducati and Google. The first 50 bikes produced will be a special Limited Edition model delivered in 2010 bearing a $68,995 price tag, while a standard, more affordable Mission One model will be announced this summer. If the goal of this company was to create a paradigm-busting object of desire, then we say, "Mission accomplished". Mouth watering specs below and official press release after the break.
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GM, the U.S. prepare for the Volt

That means a very concrete example, that there must be points where flow "refueled" can be. For example in a terraced house with garage lives will still be able to charge home. However, away from home it would be nice to the battery of the Volt's power needs.


Thus, General Motors, together with San Francisco, Washington and other "early adopters" to build the infrastructure to make that possible. In offices, but also in public places must allow the Volt (and other plug-in hybrids) to recharge.


It will also look at measures on the purchase of plug-in hybrids by governments and commercial organizations to promote. Consumers with a plug-in car to buy, get a tax benefit of $ 7500, -.
Source:autoblog.nl



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