BMW, Lexus, Tesla, Renault, Hebei Yujie Vehicle Corp.

BMW presents the 3 series as a plug-in hybrid prototype, which is said to hit the market by early 2016. Its drivetrain is derived from the eDrive technology with an electric motor delivering 70 kW while the system has a total output of 245 hp. The BMW 3 Series eDrive can go for about 22 miles electrically. Dave Humphreys had the privilege to drive BMWs new 3 series plug-in hybrid prototype. As it is still early stages, he finds that power delivery at times “lacks finesse” but was impressed by the PHEVs “composure” when taking corners.
greencarcongress.com, insideevs.com, autoexpress.co.uk (Driving)

Lexus revelation: Toyota’s luxury brand has unveiled its LF-C2 concept at the LA auto show, a roofless roadster based on the Lexus RC. The latter is said to be offered as a hybrid variant with about 220 hp by the end of 2015.
evo.co.uk

Tesla to launch in Oz: The Californians will finally make it to the other end of the Pacific as they will launch their Model S in Sydney on December 9. Prices for Australia start at 97,000 AUD (83,000 USD) and first deliveries are set to go to homes using solar power.
reneweconomy.com.au

Choose, s’il vous plait: British buyers of Renault’s Zoe and Kangoo Z.E. will now have the choice between owning or renting the battery. The price difference to own the battery is around 5,000 pounds (7,800 dollars) and fully owned EVs will be designated with an “i” for “included” (battery).
fleetnews.co.uk

7-seater for China: Hebei Yujie Vehicle Corporation will bring the Yogomo to the Chinese market, a car that fits seven. Production is set to start next month and Yogomo says they are also working on a hybrid version as well as an electric version.
carneschina.com