General Motors is struggling with declining market shares in China and therefore wants to focus on electric mobility and autonomous driving in the future. The Americans plan to invest more than 20 billion dollars globally in these two areas by 2025.
Read more
Cadillac has introduced the concept of its first electric model. The SUV ‘Lyriq’ gives a glimpse into the GM brand’s electric design language. However, information on the technical specifications of the Lyriq, which is expected to be launched at the end of 2022, is still sparse.
Read more
General Motors has published its annual sustainability report, which includes details of the 20 electric models that GM plans for its various subsidiary brands by 2023.
Read more- ADVERTISEMENT -
Despite the crisis, General Motors is sticking to the timetable for most of its electric offensive. By the middle of this decade, GM has also reaffirmed its goal of achieving annual sales of one million electric cars in the two largest markets, North America and China.
Read more
At an “EV Day” for investors, General Motors CEO Mary Barra presented an overview of the Group’s ambitious electric strategy. At the heart of the strategy is the third-generation new platform involving a modular battery system called Ultium. The platform should base the spectrum of electric vehicles from hatchbacks to pickups, SUVs and commercial vehicles.
Read more
General Motors has revealed their updated electric vehicle platform and roadmap. The first model based on the new platform will be a crossover from Cadillac and will be presented in April.
Read more- ADVERTISEMENT -
General Motors is apparently planning a whole series of electric pickup trucks and SUVs to be produced at the Detroit-Hamtramck plant. This could result in significantly more electric models coming onto the market than expected.
Read more
General Motors has now confirmed their plan to position Cadillac as the leading brand for the Group’s future electric models. The newly developed GM platform BEV3 is expected to be used by Cadillac starting in 2021.
Read more
GM’s Cadillac announced they have put their diesel development on hold as the market appears to be “changing more quickly than we anticipated,” said new Cadillac President Steve Carlisle. Their focus is on electrified drive trains.
Read more
Cadillac will deliver a “disproportionate share” of the 20 electrified vehicles that GM plans to launch globally by 2023, Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen said at NAIAS in Detroit.
Read more
Tesla delays deadline: Supercharger use will remain free for all customers buying a Model X or S through December, 31. This is the third delay of a change in policy that will see Tesla charging customers for using their network once their use exceeds 400 kWh. This latest move is likely to prevent potential buyers from waiting for the Model 3 rather than buying a Model S or X now. After all, free supercharging for a lifetime is a good argument for those that can afford the premium price.
teslamag.de, electrek.co, teslarati.com
Porsche has got an eye on the Formula E with a top tier management delegation having met FE CEO Alejandro Agag at the ePrix in Monaco and later in Berlin. Chances depend on technical rules like the car swap but also Porsche’s final decision on the WEC that is currently under revision.
autosport.com
Cheap commuter EV: Chinese start-up CHJ plans to enter the new energy vehicle market with a targeted approach. Its first micro EV model aims at commuters and shall hit the shelves by March 2019 already with exchangeable batteries. As a mobility device mainly, the price is set at a low 7,000 – 8,000 euros, thus placing it in competitive range of electric scooters. CHJ’s main market is China but the firm did not rule out a launch in Europe, only here the compact EV would serve in ride sharing offers.
cnbc.com
Talking small electric cars, Smart has announced UK prices for its ED range. The Fortwo model starts from 16,420 pounds, while the Forfour will cost about 500 pounds more with 16,915 GBP. Finally, the Fortwo Cabriolet is the top of the three, starting from 18,650 pounds, all after the 4,500 GBP incentive.
nextgreencar.com, driveandride.com
Cadillac XT4 PHEV? New spy shots of Cadillac’s XT4 hints at what may be a charge connector under heavy disguise. It would make sense, given that the Cadillac CT6 is already available as a plug-in hybrid. The XT4 is set to debut by mid-2018.
autoguide.com
Close to 10m dollars worth of finance has been gathered for retrofit hybrid and electric buses or trucks by Adomani. The company has just gone public and sold more than 2.5m shares at 5 dollars each, amounting to 9.2m dollars in its IPO. Adomani is now listed on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol ADOM.
greencarcongress.com, globenewswire.com
Tesla growth: The EV maker posted the 4th quarter results and increased its automotive revenue by almost 80 percent to 1.994bn dollars. Still, Tesla not put of the red as net loss stood at 121m dollars. Orders for both the Model S and X grew by 50 percent year-on-year. Also, the Model 3 is underway as planned. Limited production is to start in July before it is ramped up to 5,000 units per week in Q4 2017.
greencarcongress.com, electrek.co, letter to shareholders (pdf)
Ghosn goes as Nissan CEO: Carlos Ghosn will step down as Nissan CEO this April but will remain chairman of Nissan, Mitsubishi and Renault, where he is also CEO. Lifelong Nissan employee Hiroto Saikawa will take over the daily business of the company, while 62 year old Ghosn is to bring Mitsubishi back on track.
autocar.co.uk
EV surprise: Renault says it got a concept packed for Geneva but did not liberate more information than that it is battery-electric. Launch is set at a press conference on March, 7.
carscoops.com, renault.com
An environmental policy paper from Scottish Conservatives suggests free parking for electric cars as well as use of bus and taxi lanes and lists a fond for charging infrastructure. While the plan also includes renewables, the conservatives see nuclear power plants as part of the path to a low carbon economy.
scottishconservatives.com, eveningtimes.co.uk
Cadillac XT3 PHEV? Cadillac’s XT3 is a compact crossover due by 2019 and it looks like it may be electrified. Spy shots show a flap where other GM EVs like the Bolt have their charge connectors. For Cadillac, a PHEV is most likely as the firm knows the technology from its hybrid CT6.
greencarreports.com
VW e-Golf rated: 201 km or 125 miles is the range of the 2017 electric Volkswagen, according to EPA. It is a 50 percent increase over the previous e-Golf. 19 MPGe combined (28 kWh/100 miles), making it one of the most efficient electric vehicles on the U.S. market, where it will arrive in spring.
greencarcongress.com, electrek.co
Gigafactory opens its doors: Tesla’s battery factory celebrated a symbolic opening Friday, even though only 14 percent of the production site have been completed. At least production of the stationary Powerwall has already kicked off. Starting 2018, the factory is said to churn out batteries with a total capacity of 50 GWh per year and 150 GWh form 2020. Panasonic says it will raise 3.9bn dollars through corporate bonds, most of which will be invested in the Gigafactory. The supplier had promised 1.6bn dollars but already said that it would invest more if needed.
electrek.co (opening), youtube.com (Video), reuters.com, electrek.co (Panasonic)
U.S. Outlander debut delayed: The kick off for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in North America has again been pushed back – for the sixth time. The plan is now for it to debut in summer of next year. The plug-in’s premier in Canada and the U.S. had originally been scheduled for January 2014. Mitsubishi did not give an explanation for the new delay.
insideevs.com, hybridcars.com
Tesla bus build on Model X: Tesla’s announced bus will use the Model X’s chassis, Elon Musk confirmed on Twitter. That means it could hit the road sooner than later. Moreover, the design is said to be inspired by the old VW buses.
electrek.co, jalopnik.com
Toyota faces range complaint: The Japanese manufacturer is being taken to court in the U.S. for false range advertising. The plaintiff says that instead of the promised 15 miles, the Toyota Prius can only go 8 miles electrically, and only during summer – not enough for his 12-mile commute to work. Toyota has yet to comment on the allegations.
autoblog.com
Camouflaged Jaguar EV: New images are said to show a disguised prototype of the British electric SUV. Jaguar is planning to release two electric models (we reported) in 2019. The SUV in question will then go head to head with the Tesla Model X and Audi Q6 e-tron.
autocar.co.uk
Cadillac CT6 PHEV is coming: The plug-in hybrid will arrive at Chinese dealerships this fall, before becoming available in the U.S. in 2017. The battery pack is still being made in the U.S. and shipped to China, but GM considers moving production to China in the future.
autoblog.com
Cadillac launch: The new Cadillac CT6 has been launched ahead of schedule in Berlin and will be travelling to mainland Europe on September 5th. It comes at a starting price of 73,500 euros, but it remains unclear whether the car will be offered in the U.K. A plug-in hybrid version is also in the works.
autocar.com
Autonomous Mahindra? Mahindra CEO Anand Mahindra told Autocar that the company plans to produce a range of autonomous electric cars by leveraging Mahindra’s many brands including Tech Mahindra. Further details remain unknown.
autocar.co.uk
Opel Ampera-e sighting: Chevy Bolt-inspired Opel Ampera-e has been spotted for the first time since teaser shots were released in February. The mildly camouflaged EV was found testing in Germany.
carscoops.com
Martin-Red Bull mashup: Aston Martin and Red Bull revealed their AM-RB 001 hypercar and granted exclusive access of the full-sized model to Autocar, who snagged some footage. An F1-inspired energy recovery system is harvesting kinetic energy from braking.
autocar.co.uk, youtube.com
Tesla in Taiwan: Tesla has opened a pop-up store in the Taiwanese capital Taipei. The shop will remain in the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store until August 31st, and a full-scale store is still to come. The Model S online design studio opened in the country last weekend.
electrek.co, chinapost.com.tw
Hybridised sports car: Future iterations of the Ariel Atom could use hybrid power. CEO Simon Saunders also told Autocar that a purely electric version would make sense, suggesting “the Atom will move with the times.”
autocar.co.uk
Audi manager signs with Tesla: Peter Hochholdinger, the former Senior Director of Production of Audi’s A4, A5, and Q5, joined the EV team as VP of Vehicle Production. He will be responsible for speeding up Model S and Model X production and for getting the Model 3 manufacturing programme off the ground. Hochholdinger replaces Greg Reichow, who left Tesla earlier this month. Josh Ensign, ex Tesla VP of manufacturing, has not been replaced yet.
electrek.co, autoblog.com
Bolt production kick-off? GM previously announced that it would begin building its all-electric Chevy Volt from October of this year at the Orion assembly plant, but has since removed the news from its website. Hybrid Cars asked the manufacturer to confirm those plans, but the latter simply referred to the previously announced timeline of “late 2016.”
hybridcars.com electrek.co
Phideon spotted: Though the VW Phideon is destined for the Chinese market, the luxury limousine was spotted on the streets of Hamburg, Germany, earlier this week. Why the vehicle was in the area remains unclear. The Phideon is said to be available as a plug-in hybrid in China.
autobild.de (in German)
Plans for China: Carlos Ghosn, CEO of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, expressed the need for both low and high spec vehicles for the Chinese market. Nissan will be producing a low spec EV with its Chinese partner Dongfeng, while Renault will launch its Freelance Electric in China, which falls more in the high spec category.
insidedevs.com
Range accuracy: The upcoming Tesla update is set to provide more accurate range predictions, but no further details nor the date of the over-the-air update have been announced so far. The 6.2 update and related features were already meant to deliver more accuracy, but some inefficiencies are still being reported.
electrek.co
Ciao ELR: Without much ado, Cadillac permanently cancelled production of their 2016 ELR. Production lines were already halted back in February, even though the ELR had just gotten an upgrade.
hybridcars.com
Faulty door suit: Tesla is taking supplier Hoerbiger to court, blaming the latter for the Model X’s faulty falcon doors at resulting delay in production and deliveries. The court date has been set for September 1st in San Jose, California.
automobilwoche.de (in German)
Cash-strapped: Barclays analyst expects Tesla to require a further 3bn dollars sometime in the second quarter to get the Gigafactory and Model 3 production going, leading to an 11 percent increase in outstanding shares.
hybridcars.com
Inner city vehicle: Austrian transport specialists HET Engineering will test a second prototype of its CityLog EMF in Austria this year. The fuel cell powered car is small enough to navigate narrow and congested streets. While it is currently designed for deliveries only, it could be repurposed to transport people. A first prototype hit the road in 2010.
esa.int
eTwinster technology: GKN is showing off its new electric torque vectoring technology in northern Sweden. The plug-in module makes it easier for platforms to offer electric all-wheel drive and torque vectoring by combining eAxle technologies with twin-clutch torque vectoring technology. The eTwinster could be programmed and integrated for production within the next three years.
prnewswire.com, greencarcongress.com
Pipistrel power tests: The Slovenian aircraft maker Pipistrel kicked off a test series of its Hypstair hybrid-electric powertrain, which combines a battery and turbonormalized engine-driven generator. The project involves work from MBVision, the Universities of Pisa and Maribor, as well as Siemens, who supplied the electric drive system. It is also supported by a European Union Technological Research Program.
avweb.com
“Fun-to-drive” CT6: Cadillac revealed the technical details of the latest addition to its line-up. The PHEV has a combined system power of 335 kW and goes from 0-100 kph in 5.6 seconds. It has an all-electric range is estimated at over 60 km with an all-electric top speed of 125 kph. Cadillac says its new car was not only designed to be efficient, but also “fun to drive.”
greencarcongress.com
No German masterplan: The scheduled meeting of Chancellor Merkel and executives of Germany’s biggest carmakers ended without results. While industry bosses continue to call for subsidies for electric cars, the coalition government remains divided. At least German economics minister Sigmar Gabriel wants to propose a masterplan for EV incentives by March.
reuters.com, bloomberg.com
Open to pollution: The EU parliament missed its chance to tighten car emission tests (RDE). MEPs failed to veto a proposal that will allow cars to emit twice the limit of NOx pollution, despite the exemptions being declared unlawful by the parliament’s legal committee. A harmful victory for lobbyists.
theguardian.com, europarl.europa.eu
Cheap EV for China: Renault-Nissan plans to develop a low-price electric car for the Chinese market, CEO Carlos Ghosn announced. The decision follows last year’s low sales of the Venucia e30 – the Chinese Leaf was bought just 1,273 times – which Nissan blames on its comparatively high price.
autonews.com
Tesla faces similar problems, announcing a price drop for the Model X in China. Due to high import tariffs and taxes, the California EVs are considerably more expensive than in America. The Model X 90D for example starts from 961,000 yuan (about 146,000 dollars). Deliveries are said to start in Q2.
insideevs.com
Porsche prototype pictures: The next-gen Cayenne has been spotted. The prototype is still in camouflage but will again be offered as a plug-in hybrid. Meanwhile, the hybrid Panamera has been sighted at its home base in Stuttgart, where it appears almost in its natural state.
worldcarfans.com (Cayenne), carscoops.com (Panamera)
Confirmed: The Caddy ELR will be discontinued. Cadillac CEO Johan de Nysschen said, the luxurious Volt will not see a second generation. Last year, GM only sold 1,024 units.
autoblog.com, insideevs.com
The Ioniq arrives: Hyundai presented its first dedicated hybrid. Its power pack is strictly lithium-ion and the sedan can be operated fully electrically at speeds of up to 120 kph. A plug-in hybrid, as well as an electric version will be presented in Geneva in March. The hybrid Ioniq is now on sale in South Korea and Hyundai aims to sell 30,000 units worldwide this year. By 2017, it expects to push sales to 70,000.
english.yonhapnews.co.kr, insideevs.com, indianautosblog.com, youtube.com
Mercedes confirms Tesla-fighter: Board members Thomas Weber and Ola Kallenius confirmed that a Tesla-fighter is set to arrive by 2018. Weber went even further, saying the industry must “be prepared for more to come later.” We are certainly ready if Daimler is.
wheelsmag.com.au
Cadillac PHEV built in China: The CT6 PHEV will be produced in China, despite also being destined for the U.S., Cadillac announced. The combustion engine variant will continue to be manufactured domestically. GM expects the market for plug-in vehicles to grow stronger in China rather than in the U.S.
bloomberg.com, chinabusinessnews.com, hybridcars.com
Model X production: If Tesla kept up its production rhythm over the holidays, the first regular Model X should now be rolling off production lines. The EV maker had started with 1,000 units of its Signature series and will now have to work through the backlog of over 22,000 Model X reservations.
electrek.co
Luxury Lexus extended: Toyota’s shiny sister unveiled its latest coupé in Detroit. The LC 500 is based on the LC-LF concept which will reportedly soon be available as a hybrid version called LC 500h.
thedetroitbureau.com, motorauthority.com
Infiniti update: The Japanese brand updated both the Q50 and QX60. Rather than giving them a facelift, Infiniti increased motor efficiency. The new Q50 comes with a 360 hp hybrid powertrain and an one-motor, two-clutch control, while the QX60 is now available with a hybrid set-up.
carscoops.com (Q50), carscoops.com (QX60)
Model X sales start: Tesla now accepts orders for its five- to seven-seater crossover. The base Model X 70D starts at 80,000 dollars and has a range of about 350 km. Deliveries will commence early 2016, starting with the P90D and 90D variant. The base version be delivered towards the end of the year.
bloomberg.com, forbes.com
Seatbelt check: Tesla recently voluntarily recalled its Model S due to a possible seatbelt problem. So drivers do not have to come to the shop, the carmaker sent technicians to Supercharger locations to check seatbelts while the cars are charging.
teslarati.com, youtube.com (Video)
Cadillac hybridises fleet: The U.S. carmaker wants to offer the bulk of its portfolio with plug-in hybrid technology, in order to stay in line with increasingly tough emission rules in China. Pure electric cars are supposedly on the “to-do-list,” but are not in the cards in the near future.
autonews.com, worldcarfans.com
Ford to stand trial: The carmaker will have to go before a judge over allegedly exaggerated fuel-efficiency estimates for its C-Max hybrid cars. The suit dates back to 2013, when buyers denied being able to reach the promised 47 mpg. A New York judge now denied Ford’s request to dismiss the case.
bloomberg.com, autoblog.com
Lexus RX Down Under: The hybrid variant RX450h will start at 88,000 Australian dollars (63,959 USD), 15,000 AUD over the base price. The RX450h F Sport variant will even sell for a minimum of 100,000 AUD (72,668 USD).
motoring.com.au, caradvice.com.au
Formula E in Mexico: Mexico City has officially been added to the ePrix racing schedule for this season. The city will host round five of the electric racing series on March 12th, 2016. The track is 2.14 km long and tickets will go on sale on December 7th.
electricautosport.com; fiaformulae.com
This new public toilet in Beijing not only lets you answer nature’s calling, but surf the internet, get cash from an ATM or a candy bar from a vending machine. You can also charge your mobile and even electric scooter while on the throne. The toilet paper remains low-tech, however.
dailymail.co.uk
New solar racer: The OSU-Model-S, from Osaka Sangyo University (OSU) sports Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) silicon solar cells on its roof, allegedly making it the most efficient solar-powered car out there, reaching 24.4 percent. The car will compete in the upcoming 2015 IFA Suzuka Solar Car Race.
engineering.com
Ramping up production: Skeleton Technologies, a European manufacturer of high-performance supercapacitors, has raised 10.7 million dollars from a consortium and plans to use the money to increase production of their graphene-based supercapacitors. The company is trying to meet increasing demand for the technology used by i.e. hybrid truck manufacturers and energy storage companies.
graphene-info.com, greencarcongress.com
More powerful ELR: Cadillac improved the power output of its 2016 ELR by about 25 percent without replacing or re-engineering its electric motors. The carmaker has changed components in the power electronics to enable more current flow into the motor.
autoblog.com, transportevolved.com
Saietta reveals e-motorcycle: British Saiette Group has published a first image of its upcoming electric motorbike, code-named NGS (Next Generation Saietta). Known to specialise in electric drivetrains, road and race motorcycles, Saietta says this will only be the first in a family of electric motorbikes.
newcarnet.co.uk
Most clicked link on Wednesday was a Tesla Model S struck by lightning while charging.
teslarati.com
VW plug-ins for China: The German carmaker introduced the C Coupé GTE concept at the Auto Shanghai. Positioned somewhere between Passat and Phaeton, the plug-in hybrid is set to launch in China in 2016 and couples a 211-hp engine with a 91-kW electric motor. The C Coupé GTE is only the start of an electric offensive as VW announced plans to produce 15 electric and hybrid models in China within the coming four years.
electriccarsreport.com, greencarcongress.com, scmp.com (15 plug-ins plan)
Caddy CT6 update: As promised yesterday, Cadillac issued more information on its CT6 plug-in hybrid in Shanghai. Destined for the Chinese market in 2016, the plug-in hybrid offers a total system power of 340 hp and a 18.4-kWh battery, allowing for an electric range of 60 km.
greencarcongress.com, autoblog.com
Daimler SUV concept: Mercedes revealed the concept GLC Coupé at the Shanghai show and says it gives a “foretaste” of future SUVs. The GLC Coupé could make it to market next year and is said to be equipped with the C class’ engine range including the plug-in hybrid from the C 350 e.
stuff.co.nz, telegraph.co.uk
– Text Ad –
Electromobility powered by Siemens – Siemens is presenting its drivetrain solutions for hybrid and electric cars on the “Vehicle Show Electromobility” in Bad Neustadt a.d.S on April 25th and 26th. Find Siemens at the fairground of the demo city for electromobility and take a glance on the latest innovations. www.siemens.com/electriccar
Toyota plugged in China: The Japanese carmaker plans to launch two hybrid models for the Chinese market this year. The Levin Hev will be built together with Toyota’s JV partner Guangzhou Automobile while the Corolla Hybrid will be issued together with FAW.
reuters.com, indianautosblog.com (pictures Corolla Hybrid)
Nissan follows suit as it presents the Murano Hybrid at the Auto Shanghai. The hybrid that combines a 2.5-l engine with a 15-kW electric motor and is set to go on sale in China already this summer.
paultan.org, greencarcongress.com
Stargazing in Shanghai: Check out the latest images from Shanghai of models we already reported. As announced, Audi brought the PHEVs Q7 E-Tron 2.0 TFSI Quattro and A6 L e-tron. More German plug-in goodness comes from BMW with the X5 xDrive40e. Furthermore, the Hyundai Sonata, the strong hybrid Peugeot 308 R as well as Chevy’s new all-electric concept FNR can be found at the show.
BMW 7-series sneak peak: BMW revealed a preview of the upcoming 7 Series and did confirm that it will release a plug-in hybrid variant. The car will officially be presented at the Frankfurt motor show in September and could become available at dealerships by the end of the year.
autocar.co.uk, bmwblog.com
Made for Asia: The Audi Q7 e-tron 2.0 TFSI quattro marks the first time that Audi combines a TFSI plug-in hybrid with quattro all-wheel drive. Designed especially for Asian markets (Singapore, China, Japan), the model will premiere at the Shanghai Auto Show this week.
electriccarsreport.com
Honda hybrid shuttle: Honda unveiled its new Shuttle in Japan, a station wagon version of the Jazz/City. It will be available in three different hybrid variants, the Hybrid, Hybrid X and Hybrid Z. The drivetrain combines a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor. More details will follow mid-May.
indianautosblog.com
– Text Ad –
Electromobility powered by Siemens – Siemens is presenting its drivetrain solutions for hybrid and electric cars on the “Vehicle Show Electromobility” in Bad Neustadt a.d.S on April 25th and 26th. Find Siemens at the fairground of the demo city for electromobility and take a glance on the latest innovations. www.siemens.com/electriccar
Tesla make-over: German Larte Design offers a body-kit for the luxury limousine. The company uses a basalt composite material for its components, which it says is compatible with carbon fibre in terms of weight. However, Green Car Report points out that the kit could reduce the range of the Model S.
valuewalk.com, greencarreports.com (impact)
Volvo XC90 PHEV priced: When it becomes available in the summer, the Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid will start selling for 68,100 dollars before incentives in the U.S. The federal tax credit amounts to 4,800 dollars, while buyers are also eligible for further subsidies given by their home state.
hybridcars.com, greencarcongress.com
CT6 to come with plug: So far it was only rumoured that the upcoming Cadillac CT6, which just premiered in New York, would be available as a plug-in hybrid. While GM now confirmed those rumours, it will not give any further details before Shanghai.
hybridcars.com
New hybrid Volvo: The Swedish brand presents its Volvo S60L T6 Twin Engine at the Auto Shanghai. The plug-in hybrid delivers 306 hp and is destined for the Chinese market, where it will go on sale already next week. Volvo plans to introduce two new plug-in hybrids every year.
autocarpro.in, greencarcongress.com
Saab exits bankruptcy protection: Saab owner NEVS has secured a write-down of debts of 300 million kronor (34 million dollars) and has thus exited bankruptcy protection. A debt of about 400 million kronor remains, but the consortium is now in a better position to talk with potential partners.
europeonline-magazine.eu
GM price cut I: Chevrolet gives its Spark EV a price drop to 25,995 dollars, 1,500 less than before. Someone eligible for all incentives, including a cash bonus by GM can thus get the Spark EV for 14,995 dollars. Leasing now starts at 139 dollars a month.
autoblog.com, insideevs.com
GM price cut II: Cadillac has issued information on its 2016 ELR. The range extended luxury EV is to come with 25 percent more power while the price will fall by 9,000 dollars to 65,995 USD for the 2016 Cadillac ELR, excl. incentives.
autoblog.com, insideevs.com
Toyota uses the Earth Day 2015 celebrations to showcase its fuel cell Mirai in the States. 15 years ago, the same promotion marked the start of the Prius. The Mirai will make appearances in Washington DC, New York and Los Angeles. Sales are to start in California later this year.
hybridcars.com, electriccarsreport.com
Self-balancing market: Segway has been bought by Beijing start-up Ninebot, the very same company the US makers of the gyroscopic two-wheelers had accused of patent infringement just a few months ago. Both brands will continue to operate under their existing names.
bbc.com, cnet.com
Cadillac CT6 world premier: Cadillac’s latest limousine debuts in New York these days. The CT6 is allegedly to come as a plug-in hybrid. Meanwhile, the new Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid has been introduced with full technical data. It will come with a modified drive unit from the Chevy Volt with 182 hp of total system power.
bloomberg.com, nydailynews.com, greencarcongress.com (Malibu Hybrid)
Lexus presents RX 450h: Toyota’s luxury subsidiary will bring the fourth-gen RX to the New York Auto Show. While details on the hybrid have not yet been published, it is believed the PHEV will boast a V6 and two electric motors. Together, the trio is to deliver more than 300 hp.
greencarcongress.com
Leaf for less: Nissan has reduced the price for the Leaf by 140,000 yen (1,170 dollars) for all grades in Japan. This means the best-selling EV is now available in its domestic market from 2.39 million yen (19,978 dollars) including subsidies.
carnews.beforward.jp
— Text Ad —
Baden-Württemberg Pavilion | Hannover Messe 2015 Electric mobility made in Baden-Württemberg – The cluster Electric Mobility South-West connects over 80 key players from business and science. Meet the experts on more than 600 sqm exhibition area and get an insight into latest developments. Visit us at the MobiliTec: Hall 27, Booth H85. www.e-mobilbw.de
No EVs from Kazakhstan yet: The country was supposed to start production of EVs together with Iveco already at the end of last year. However, these plans have now been postponed indefinitely.
en.tengrinews.kz
Details on DeltaWing: The road version of the arrow shaped racer is slowly becoming more real as now first design sketches have been published. DeltaWing Technology Group says it is open to all sorts of electrification, be it battery, fuel cell, or hybrid (we reported).
gizmag.com
Electric plane testing: NASA has made some progress with its electric plane project (we reported) and space agents are currently testing the so-called LEAPTech wing – though only on the ground for now. It consists of a 9.5 meter carbon composite span with 18 small electric motors powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries.
engadget.com, time.com, nasa.gov
Cost-efficient catalyst: Researchers from the University of Delaware have discovered a cheap and efficient catalyst for converting water to hydrogen. As they combine copper and titanium in a way that imitates the structure of a platinum catalyst, H2 production could become a lot less expensive.
phys.org, udel.edu
Mixed material: To create a light-weight body for the upcoming CT6, Cadillac has come up with a new mix of materials. While most of it is aluminium (64%), 13 other materials helped shave off 90 kilos compared to a steel construction. The CT6 will also be offered as plug-in hybrid variant in the future.
greencarcongress.com, automotive-business-review.com
Commercial hybrids: Crosspoint Kinetics is now working with Morgan Olson to produce hybrid delivery vans. The Kinetics Hybrid system with a 50-kilowatt electric motor mounts directly to a driveline so the van’s original components can stay in place. Energy is recuperated and released in boosts.
hybridcars.com, fleetowner.com
Most clicked link on Tuesday Greg Kable’s review of the all-electric Audi R8 e-tron, which he says “accelerates with terrific force.”
autocar.co.uk
Will Nissan double its range? A Nissan press conference revealed some interesting information about Nissan’s new and improved battery pack that will give upcoming electric models a definite range boost. If the proportions of the shown graphics are any indication, range could double, reaching around 450 km. Whether the new technology will be used for a new Leaf or a different model was not announced.
dailykanban.com
A peak at Nissan’s Le Mans racer: First images of the GT-R LM Nismo have emerged on the web, with which Nissan will compete against Audi, Porsche, and Toyota in Le Mans later this year. The video also gives a taste of what Nissan´s new hybrid racer sounds like.
jalopnik.com via gas2.org
LG Chem sees business grow: The South Korean battery-maker announced that its business improved considerably last year due to an increasing demand from Chinese carmakers. The operating profit more than doubled compared to 2013, reaching 64.9 billion won (around 60 million dollars).
koreatimes.co.kr
AWD Caddy in the pipeline: According to media reports, Cadillac is working on a high-performance electric all-wheel-drive system that could be used in their V-Series or crossover models. Other Alpha-platform-based vehicles from GM could also profit, such as the Chevrolet Camaro.
edmunds.com, electric-vehiclenews.com
Most clicked link on Monday was Wrightspeed expanding its business with a new facility planned in the immediate future.
hybridcars.com
U.S. will not hit EV target: Energy secretary Ernest Moniz now officially confirmed that the country will not meet its goal of having one million plug-in electric vehicles on the road by the end of the year and said hitting the target could be a few years away. About 280,000 PEVs have been sold in the U.S. so far.
detroitnews.com, greencarreports.com
Cadillac electrifies: Company president Johan Nysschen announced at the Washington Auto Show that plug-in technology will be “applied across the spectrum of our portfolio.” Five out of the upcoming eight models “will take Cadillac into market segments where the brand is not even present today.”
autoblog.com
Wrightspeed is expanding: Wrightspeed seems on a roll and the order for range-extended trucks by FedEx only the beginning. The company wants to move into a production facility, three times the size of its current place, and also plans to grow from 23 employees to more than 200 in the next three years.
hybridcars.com
BYD Tang ready for preorders: Priced at 300,000 yuan (about $48,300) before government incentives, the Chinese carmaker expects its upcoming plug-in hybrid SUV with a total system output of 498 hp to become the best-selling SUV worldwide, even overtaking its own plug-in Qin.
autoblog.com, greencarcongress.com
Driving the e-Golf: Transport Evolved got behind the wheel of Volkswagen electric e-Golf, recording their initial impressions (video). Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield’s first though was that it is “surprisingly – and refreshingly – conventional on the inside” and that it looks and feels like a regular Golf.
transportevolved.com
BMW 5 Series PHEV debut: The German carmaker has presented its 530Le at the Guangzhou Auto Show. The plug-in hybrid will be produced in China with JV partner Brilliance and is based on the long wheelbase 5 Series. The BMW 530Le combines a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for an overall power output of 200 kW and is said to have a range of 36 miles (58 km).
bmwblog.com, autoevolution.com
New Caddy ELR delayed? Cadillac did not bring the new ELR to the LA Auto Show as expected but displayed the current model instead. ‘GM Inside’ believes the reason being Caddy trying to turn the new ELR into a “highly autonomous vehicle” after Tesla presented its Autopilot system.
gminsidenews.com via insideevs.com
Toyota Ranz EV: At Guangzhou Auto Show, Toyota showcased the Ranz EV in what seems to be a production ready version. The all-electric sedan is based on the Corolla and developed together with FAW. However, Toyota confirmed the ‘Leahead’ EV brand together with GAC, which will presumably beat Ranz to the market next year.
indianautosblog.com
Model S enhanced: Saleen has begun deliveries of its tuned Tesla Model S with prices starting at 132,000 dollars. The tuner also plans to modify the upcoming AWD Tesla and expects its version to go from 0 – 60 mph in less than three seconds. In the meantime, “Jalopnik” reports that Saleen is running out of cash and owes more than 5m dollars, which includes about 500,000 dollars in payroll taxes.
soec.org, saleen.com, jalopnik.com (financial situation)
Kandi EV gets the go: Kandi Technologies has got the approval of the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) to bring its new model SMA7002BEV05 to market. Buyers of the electric SUV are thus eligible for all national and local subsidies and incentives.
money.cnn.com, newsfilecorp.com (picture)
EVs made in and for Malaysia: Malaysian Automotive Institute says it will develop prototypes of two electric sedans for 2015. Set to launch by 2016 and 2017, the EVs shall come at a price tag of less than 100,000 ringgits (about 30,000 dollars). To keep costs down, the institute considers battery leasing.
therakyatpost.com
Corsa EV to come? Green Car Reports is treading the rumour mill, reporting that the 200-mile-range Chevy, probably the Sonic, will also be imported to Europe in the form of the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa EV. The Chevy EV could be unveiled at NAIAS in 2016.
greencarreports.com, transportevolved.com
New hybrid crossover by Toyota: The Japanese carmaker is currently scaling up its production facility in Turkey to accommodate for new SUVs. The hybrid crossover will be based on the concept C-HR presented in Paris earlier this month and will also come as a petrol variant.
asia.nikkei.com, just-auto.com
New BYD e-bus: At the APTA Expo in Houston, Texas, BYD presented yet another electric bus. The ‘Lancaster’ measures 18 metres and can transport up to 120 passengers for over 170 miles on one charge. The Chinese also displayed a 12-metre e-bus, currently in service in California.
greencarcongress.com, automotive-business-review.com (with picture)
Cadillac CT6 spy shots: New pictures of the upcoming Cadillac luxury sedan show a heavily camouflaged CT6 testing in snowy and pretty chilly conditions. The CT6 is designed to take on the S-Class by the end of 2015, and will also be available as plug-in hybrid (we reported).
tflcar.com, insideevs.com (with video)
Nissan sets out to take France in a stride, starting its own “scrappage scheme.” Buyers of the Leaf and e-NV200 receive a 3,700 euro rebate if their purchase replaces a diesel that is ten years or older. That brings the Leaf to the price level of a Renault Zoe and is clearly a move designed to make the partners more equal.
lepoint.fr (in French)
Lexus NX300h reviewed: Technologic Vehicles drove the hybrid crossover, finding its handling “exemplary” and braking well-balanced. Over the 300 kilometres driven, fuel consumption dropped below 7 litres per 100 km.
technologicvehicles.com
