CarBuyersNoteBook » electric vehicle

The TRIAC Electric Vehicle

Brian — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:13:40 +0000

The call for more eco-friendly vehicles continues to rise and perhaps the TRIAC electric vehicle, which is designed with only three wheels, can become another transport solution. The three-wheel design has lowered the weight of the vehicle which should address fuel consumption concerns due to vehicle weight issues. Actually it can even be classified as a motorcycle.

It can reach a top speed of 80MPH and a range of 100 miles on a single charge. Recharging can be done through a standard home outlet which takes about 16 hours when plugged into 110V outlets and 5 hours on 220V sockets. The TRIAC EV from Green Vehicles started selling last November and retails for $24,995.

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Tags: electric vehicle, ev, fuel consumption, home outlet, Motorcycle, msrp, sockets, three wheels, top speed, transport solution

New Caterham electric vehicle coming this year?

James — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:18:22 +0000

According to a report over at Autocar, niche car maker Caterham is set to release an all electric sports car later this year, possible as early as six months from now. No details about the car were spilled, but rumors suggest that it’ll be based on the Caterham Seven.

Tags: Caterham, electric vehicle

Peugeot Unveils BB1 Electric Vehicle

Brian — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:45:30 +0000

Peugeot has unveiled a new emission-free electric car in the market coined the BB1. This new concept electric car can seat up to 4 adults and can go as far as 75 miles. It is easy to park and is fitted with two electric motors mounted at the rear wheel. It runs on two lithium-ion batteries and the passenger compartment ventilation keeps operating in daylight thanks to solar panels on the roof of the vehicle.

No word on whether this will become official nor numbers to support it. But maybe when everything is ironed out, we can get more specifics about this latest electric car from Peugeot.

Image Credits: Channel 4

(Source) Press

Tags: adults, bb1, channel 4, electric car, electric vehicle, image credits, lithium, lithium ion batteries, Peugeot, rear wheel, solar panels, specifics, ventilation

You’re Not Going to Believe Project Puma

Steve Anderson — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:48:27 +0000

I got a look at this little sucker recently and it’s the stuff of all my science fiction dreams. Well, at least most of them–it can’t hover and it doesn’t come standard with particle beam weaponry, but still!

It’s called Project Puma, short for Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility, and for urbanites it may well be the next best thing to driving a car.

It’s produced as a partnership between GM and Segway, and is described as a “small, nimble, electric vehicle” that looks a LOT like an enclosed Segway.

Basically, if I’m interpreting this right, it’s a car pod. A tiny little electric vehicle that acts like a car. Now, I can see a LOT of appeal in something like this. You know what it’s like to have to go just a couple miles to go somewhere like the post office or the grocery store, and you think, what’s the point in taking the whole car? But you can’t WALK, or even bike there because it’s just a bit too far for that. This is where some people think moped, but that’s still a gas engine.

Problems? You betcha–I can’t imagine this thing doing well in winter for a panoply of reasons, not least of them those two wheels on icy slush or in high winds. Even if traction isn’t an issue, an unheated cab sure would be.

But hopefully they can iron out the kinks and get these to market, inexpensively. I’d sure like to try one.

Tags: car pod, electric vehicle, GM, Project Puma, Segway

Nissan Set To Add “Sounds” to Electric Cars?

Brian — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:40:39 +0000

One thing about electric cars, their silence is golden. Motorists often clamored for old gas-powered vehicles to be silenced but it didn’t seem to work. With their engines, it may be hard back then. But with electric vehicles all that may change now.

Now while that issue may have been resolved. Do remember that not all people may necessarily be giving a thumbs up to this. As far as commuters are concerned, the blind rely on their hearing to cross the street. And with a quiet vehicle, mishaps may happen so what could be a resolution?

It seems that Nissan and Toyota has come up with a solution and it is not irritating to the ear. Rather, it is an artificial sound that blind people can hear whenever an electric vehicle is approaching. To some motorists it may be silly but I guess it won’t be if you talk about safety. No one in his right mind would want to be accountable for accidents, especially if blind people are concerned.

(Source) The Korea Herald

Tags: Accidents, commuters, electric cars, electric vehicle, electric vehicles, motorists, Nissan, silence, Toyota

First All-Electric Car Pod Launched by ZipCar

Brian — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:19:21 +0000

ZipCar is once again in focus but this time, it is because of their first-ever Electric Vehicle Pod. These new vehicles are among the most efficient and technologically advanced on the road today and are available to members by the hour for a fraction of the cost of owning one.

“Since early in this decade, Zipcar has been integrating alternative vehicles into the fleet — giving our members the opportunity to push the envelope and evaluate a range of advanced-vehicle technologies,” said Scott Griffith, chairman and CEO of Zipcar. “Our proprietary car sharing technology platform allows us to manage a variety of cutting-edge vehicles, serving hundreds of thousands of Zipsters who benefit from convenience, cost savings and a commitment to reducing carbon emissions.”

With the uncertainty as far as reliability and feasibility of owning one still up in the air, people who want to go places can still do so by trying out this alternative. Apparently a lot of issues such as charging issues and the length at where they can go is still unresolved so why worry if you have ZipCar to help you out for now?

(Source) Press

Tags: advanced vehicle technologies, cutting edge, electric car, electric vehicle, feasibility, new vehicles, pod, reducing carbon emissions, technology platform, zipcar

Hillsboro, Oregon Set to Launch 16 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Brian — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:37:26 +0000

Hillsoboro has announced that they will be installing 16 charging stations in the state of Oregon. These charging stations will be supplied by Coulomb Technologies, the leader in charging station infrastructure which will be situated in key locations for the preparation of the expected demand for plug-in and electric vehicles.

The 16 charging stations will be installed in downtown Hillsboro including their new “green” intermodal transit facility to be built in 2009. The charging stations, available for public use, are part of the city’s large-scale sustainability and green movement, designed to showcase conservation, environmentalism and eco-friendly design.

The ChargePoint Network enabled charging stations provide:

A revenue stream to pay for electricity, capital equipment and maintenance
The ability for drivers to find unoccupied charging stations via web-enabled cell phones
Notification by SMS Text or email when charging is complete
Authenticated access to eliminate energy theft
Authorized energizing for safety
Remote monitoring and diagnostics for superior quality of service
Smart Grid integration for utility load management with future V2G capabilities

(Source) Press

Tags: capabilities, cell phones, charging station, coulomb, electric vehicle, electric vehicles, electricity, email, energy theft, hillsboro oregon, large scale, load management, quality of service, remote monitoring, revenue stream, showcase, state of oregon, sustainability, transit facility

First US Built Electric Truck Coming to Santa Monica

Brian — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:56:38 +0000

The City of Santa Monica becomes the first region to purchase and make use of the first US built electric trucks called the ZeroTruck. This purchase of the ZeroTruck signals the start of the eco-friendly drive of the City of Santa Monica as far as their Sustainability Plan to reduce carbon emissions and the incremental reduction of fuel use.

This truck meets the needs of our Water Division and the goals of our Sustainable City Plan to reduce emissions and reduce our use of petroleum. A zero emission medium-duty truck is something that has never been available to us until now.”

The ZeroTruck is a medium duty truck that is based on the Isuzu N series chassis, the only US built electric vehicle offered in the United States. It boasts of a low cab forward design, automatic transmission and can go up to 100 miles. It likewise comes with advanced lithium batteries, an onboard battery charger, regenerative braking, and powered by a UQM PowerPhase 100 advanced electric motor.

(Source) Press

Tags: automatic transmission, carbon emissions, chassis, electric trucks, electric vehicle, Isuzu, lithium, lithium batteries, medium duty truck, onboard battery charger, petroleum, united states, zero emission

5 Million Electric Vehicle Charging Stations by 2015

Brian — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:49:43 +0000

The need is there and the forecasts are being made. As far as the needs of electric cars, charging stations are bound to be the next demand in the motoring industry, something that has already started but is way off from covering the needs of the projected number of electric cars expected to be out in the market.

As far as the Pike Research is concerned, there will be over 5 million charging stations up, obviously foreseeing the major influx of electric cars running around in the streets by then.

“While electric vehicles will be primarily charged at home, a strong funding push by governments will mean that more than half of all charge points will be public charging stations by 2015,” says industry analyst John Gartner. “Retailers will also install public access stations primarily as a marketing tool, and many companies will also offer workplace charging stations for their employees.”

Indeed, people can satisfy themselves for now with a one-time charge. But the next question is up to where can they go? Most electric cars today have a specified mileage depending on the charging capacity and unlike fueled cars, charging stations just in case of extended road trips is obviously lacking. Then again, who knows if they will be that plenty come 2015? We can only wait and see.

(Source) Press

Tags: 5 million, electric cars, electric vehicle, electric vehicles, fueled cars, gartner, governments, industry analyst, influx, marketing tool, mileage, public access, road trips, time charge

Hummer H3 Announces Demo Drive in California

Brian — Thu, 28 May 2009 21:40:26 +0000

With the new age of plug-in electric vehicles slowly creeping in, Raser Technologies and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will be on hand to demonstrate the Hummer H3. The H3 uses an extended range electric vehicle (E-REV) powertrain developed by Raser Technologies. The Hummer H3 is a mid-sized SUV, similar in size to a Jeep Commander.

“I believe low-carbon fuel vehicles are the future and I want to see them succeed right here in California,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “That’s why I’m bringing cars like this one to the Capitol where we can show the world there is a market for smart and innovative technologies that will also create jobs in the auto industry.”

Indeed, this should be something worth checking out if you are within the area. The attention of most motorists today is geared towards checking out what the latest trends for alternative transport options are available in the market today. And while everyone knows the Hummer brand, it is quite curious to note what this mid-sized SUV has to offer in light of the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles needed today.

(Source) Press

Tags: auto industry, california governor arnold schwarzenegger, carbon fuel, electric vehicle, electric vehicles, fuel efficient vehicles, fuel vehicles, governor schwarzenegger, hummer h3, innovative technologies, jeep commander, latest trends, mid sized suv, motorists, raser technologies, transport options

Consumers Energy and Ford Team Up for Electric Vehicle Use

Brian — Tue, 26 May 2009 09:22:40 +0000

Today, the call to turn to electric vehicles is apparent and has already settled in the minds of motorists who place premium in their transportation needs. But to make sure, another company has joined forces with Ford Motors to push for electric vehicle use.

Consumers Energy and Ford Motor Co. have come together to submit a pilot project which will enhance promotions in the use of electric vehicles. Ford will be supplying the utilities with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles to use in their daily operations.

The utilities also will develop and install “smart” charging facilities for the vehicles. The data from the vehicle use and charging systems will be shared and used to help shape the power infrastructure needed to meet customer needs as the use of electric vehicles expands.

John Russell, the president and chief operating officer of Consumers Energy, said the proposal provided an excellent opportunity for the utility to support Ford and be part of the automaker’s efforts to promote the use of electric vehicles.

(Source) Press

Tags: automaker, charging systems, consumers energy, electric vehicle, Ford, ford motor, ford motors, hybrid electric vehicles, john russell, motorists, pilot project, power infrastructure, promotions

ChargeBar to be Launched in Washington

Brian — Sat, 16 May 2009 19:04:03 +0000

For the electric car owners of now and tomorrow, you don’t have to worry about running short on energy. Thanks to this potential concept by GreenlightAC, electric-vehicle charging stations may soon be spread over Washington D.C.

Called the ChargeBar, GreenlightAC is on the verge of closing a $500,000 investment to release a prototype of this latest modern day car charging station. As far as location is concerned, the company is eyeing local garages for office and residential buildings. Greenlight AC will handle all installation and maintenance of the said charging stations.

GreenlightAC hasn’t said exactly where the first ChargeBars will show up, but they’ll start to be installed in the Washington metro area in the third quarter of this year, with future installations potentially expanding to other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region. The company told the Washington Business Journal that it expects to sell 350 of its charging stations by the end of next year.

(Source) Earth2Tech

Tags: car owners, charging station, electric car, electric vehicle, garages, Prototype, residential buildings

BASF and Sion Power Push New Battery Technology Development

Brian — Sat, 16 May 2009 05:21:02 +0000

Perhaps two companies working together can come out and product a new battery product that is seen to become a demand in the coming years as BASF and Sion Power have combined to speed up the cause to accelerate the commercialization of Sion Power’s proprietary lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery technology, e.g., for the electric vehicle (EV) market and other high-energy applications.

The Sion Power / BASF collaboration targets the development of battery materials to improve Li-S battery life and to increase the energy density and thus extend driving range of future EVs beyond what is currently available with alternative rechargeable battery technologies. Li-S technology already offers significant energy density and weight advantages over those existing technologies.

Improved battery technology is a fundamental requirement for more efficient use of current and renewable energy sources. The recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides for $2 billion for the development and manufacture of advanced automotive batteries. All major automotive manufactures are vigorously pursuing the introduction of electric vehicles that are environmentally friendly yet provide the range and comfort consumers expect in an automobile, features that cannot be obtained with any currently available battery technology.

(Source) Press

Tags: basf, battery life, battery materials, battery technologies, battery technology, commercialization, driving range, efficient use, electric vehicle, electric vehicles, energy applications, energy density, fundamental requirement, high energy, lithium, rechargeable battery, reinvestment act, renewable energy sources, technology development

ENVI Electric Car Killed

Brian — Sat, 09 May 2009 19:28:50 +0000

With a rocky state as far as finances are concerned, the ENVI is as good as gone. This was revealed as Fiat has practically overtaken the whole assembly line of Chrysler. The reason for the move is that Fiat thinks that the project may prove to be costly.

ENVI was scheduled to deliver its first electric-vehicle in late 2010 with lithium-ion battery packs supplied by A123Systems. The division had created a total of five vehicle concepts but never confirmed which of those five concepts would make it into production. However, last month CNNMoney said that Chrysler’s first production ENVI would be the Lotus Europa based Dodge Circuit.

“The Europa-based Dodge Circuit electric car has been killed by the credit crunch,” reports AutoCar. Nonetheless, insiders say that Lotus is now talking to European OEM to setup another electric-car program like the Tesla Roadster.

The Dodge Circuit EV is (or was) a pure electric-car that carries a 268-hp electric-motor allowing it to travel 150 miles to 200 miles on a single charge. 0 to 60 comes in under 5 seconds with a top speed of 120 mph.

(Source) EGM Car Tech

Tags: assembly line, car program, car tech, Chrysler, Dodge, electric car, electric vehicle, ev, Fiat, hp electric motor, lithium, lithium ion battery, Lotus, lotus europa, tesla roadster, top speed

Renault-Nissan Forms Zero-Emission Vehicle Alliance with Raleigh

Brian — Fri, 01 May 2009 20:25:33 +0000

Another merger between Renault-Nissan and Progress Energy of Raleigh promises to develop advanced zero-emission vehicles. Nissan will introduce zero-emission vehicles in the United States in 2010, starting with a 5-passenger compact vehicle that will have a range of 100 miles on a single charge.

The announcement coincides with the Raleigh stop on a coast-to-coast tour of Nissan’s EV Prototype, a vehicle that’s powered by Nissan’s lithium-ion battery pack and zero-emission electric motor. While this vehicle does not represent the design of Nissan’s electric vehicle that will be sold in 2010, the EV Prototype is an indicator of what’s to come in zero-emission mobility.

“Nissan, through the Renault-Nissan Alliance, is committed to being a global leader in zero-emission vehicles,” said Dominique Thormann, senior vice president, administration and finance, Nissan North America. “Our partners in Raleigh share our goals of working together towards making the region plug-in ready for the introduction of electric vehicles next year. This partnership is an important step in making zero-emissions mobility a reality.”

(Source) Press

Tags: compact vehicle, dominique, electric vehicle, electric vehicles, emission mobility, emission vehicle, ev prototype, lithium, lithium ion battery, lithium ion battery pack, nissan north america, renault nissan, vice president administration, zero emission vehicles, zero emissions

CarBuyersNoteBook » electric vehicle

The TRIAC Electric Vehicle

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