Sep 7, 2017 - 07:39 am

Scotland, Detroit Electric, Nissan, VW, Honda, China.

Scotland to ban new petrol and diesel cars in 2032: The Scottish government turns out to be even more ambitious than the British cabinet, which plans to ban sales of cars with combustion engines from 2040, as reported. Nicola Sturgeon, head of the Scottish government, has announced now that her country intends to reach this aim 8 years earlier. In order to prepare the shift towards zero-emission vehicles, the cabinet suggests to “massively expand” charging points and set up pilot projects to encourage uptake of EVs, e.g. to make the A9 Scotland’s first fully electric-enabled road.
scotsman.com, independent.co.uk

Details about Detroit Electric’s line-up: The EV maker has confirmed its plan to launch three new all-electric models, showing now also their silhouette. First model to hit the stores will be a supercar in 2018, followed by a crossover in 2019 and a saloon in 2021. Production capacity shall reach 1,000 units of the supercar and 50,000 units of each of the other two models per year. In terms of range, the trio is said to reach at least 500km.
autocar.co.uk

Leaf-based SUV by 2019? Nissan intends to put a new electric crossover on display at the Tokyo Motor Show in October, Autocar has learnt. It shall be based on the second-gen Leaf, unveiled this week, and hit the roads by 2019. Additionally, the new Leaf could be offered in a performance version, spiced up through a Nismo styling pack, the website reports further. On top, first driving reports emerged, analysing and evaluating the new Leaf’s performance.
autocar.co.uk (SUV), autocar.co.uk (Nismo), autoblog.com, autocar.co.uk (driving reviews)

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VW to present updated I.D. Crozz: After having introduced its EV concept I.D. Crozz at the Shanghai Auto Show in April, Volkswagen says it will show now an enhanced and closer to serial production version of the SUV coupe to the audience in Frankfurt. Following the I.D., the I.D. Crozz is VW’s second EV serial model based on the MEB platform, as reported. Launch is scheduled for end 2020 or early 2021.
volkswagen-media-services.com

Specs about Honda’s CR-V Hybrid: Ahead of the CR-V Hybrid prototype’s debut at the IAA in Frankfurt, Honda has published first pictures and spec details. Thus, the model’s i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) system couples an electric propulsion motor, a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and a separate electric generator motor. The prototype also previews the upcoming CR-V model for the European market due in 2018.
greencarcongress.com, carscoops.com

China’s list of eligible EVs: A new document published by the Chinese government lists 486 EVs and PHEV models that are approved for state subsidies. 417 of them are fully-electrified vehicles. Among the companies with particularly many eligible cars are first of all domestic manufacturer, e.g. BAIC, BYD, SAIC, Chery and Dongfeng.
shanghaidaily.com

Sep 1, 2017 - 10:01 am

Smart, Detroit Electric, Chery, China, Pirelli.

Smart envisions a shared future as it reveals the Vision EQ Fortwo, an electric model in line with Daimler’s strategy to grow Car2Go massively until 2030. Level 5 autonomy and connectivity shall make the concept fit for a time when EVs collect passengers from any location and Smart says one of its small cars is hired every 1.4 seconds around the world already. The brand thus predicts car-sharing will increase fivefold by 2025 to more than 36.7m customers. For now, the Vision EQ Fortwo carries a rear-mounted electric motor and 30kWh lithium-ion battery for a range of around 300km.
autocar.co.uk, electrek.co, autoblog.com

Detroit Electric EV family: The revived brand wants to build a whole range of electric cars with the help of Chinese Far East Smarter Energy Group that poured 1.8bn into the firm based in Britain recently. The new EVs will be presented at the Cenex Low Carbon Conference but shall go into production over the next three years in both China and the UK. They will join the SP:01 electric sports car.
autocar.co.uk, greencarcongress.com, insideevs.com

Chery too is working on a whole line-up of electrified cars reportedly and has revealed the design of the founding father or mother. The electric SUV is scheduled to go on stage at the IAA and marks the start of the new model line.
carscoops.com, autocar.co.uk

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EV sales quota delay? Shortly before the due date, it looks as if Beijing is giving in to pressure to soften its EV sales quota. Reuters quotes four insiders, all saying the 8 percent bar may fall but only to be implemented a year later, by 2019. A final decision will be made within days or weeks.
reuters.com

Special tires for Fisker: Pirelli will develop the tires for Fisker’s EMotion Electric Vehicle and promises low rolling resistance and comfort due to tall sidewalls. Produced in Georgia, USA, they will be ready in time for the EMotion launch in late 2019.
greencarcongress.com

Mar 13, 2017 - 03:11 pm

Nissan, Nio, Detroit Electric, Smart, Berlin, Alstom, NTL.

New Leaf on sale in 2017: Nissan will launch the 2018 Leaf this September with sales opening before the year’s end. Owners whose lease is about to end will receive an offer to extend the lease for up to three month free of charge until the launch of the next-gen EV. Specifications however, are yet to be delivered but a 60 kWh battery is certain.
autoblog.com, insideevs.com

Nio reveals self-driving EV: Nio, formerly known as Next EV and for its electric hyper car EP9, has brought an electric and autonomous car to the SXSW conference. The Nio Eve is primarily a vision but parts may make it into mass produced autonomous EVs in the States by 2020.
electrek.co, forbes.com, nio.io

1.8bn for Detroit Electric: Chinese Far East Smarter Energy Group poured 1.8bn dollars in the EV maker. 370m were earmarked for Europe alone, where the electric roadster SP:01 is to be build in England. Next in the pipeline is an electric SUV (2018) and an electric sedan before the decade’s end.
greencarcongress.com, electrek.co, autocar.co.uk

The order books opened for the new electric Smart range. Prices for the Fortwo and Forfour ED start at 21,940 and 22,600 euros respectively before incentives. Deliveries are set to begin in June.
motor1.com, daimler.com

Berlin will replace Brussels in the Formula E and will thus host a double-header ePrix this summer. The Berlin ePrix will take place at the former Tempelhof Airport as before but the track layout has been completely redesigned.
electricautosport.com, fiaformulae.com

eBus based on tram design: Alstom and NTL presented a prototype of the Aptis electric bus. Its design borrows from streetcars with equipment including a pantograph for charging mounted on the roof. The 12m EV offers space for up to 95 passengers. Power output is at 180 kW and top speed 70 kph. Aptis shall be tested from April in and around Paris.
metro-report.com, newtl.com

Feb 22, 2017 - 11:29 am

Detroit Electric, Future Mobility, Sinclair, Mellor Coachcraft, FF.

Detroit Electric to produce in China: Emperor Electric Car is a new Joint Venture between the Chinese CSE, ES&TP and Detroit Electric that will have its HQ in Hongkong. Together, they want to produce EVs and their components in China. Construction of a first facility in Yixing will start in 2017 and the JV hopes to make 100,000 electric cars a year comes 2020. This excludes Detroit Electric’s SP:01 roadster though. Instead EEC plans to build an electric SUV.
forbes.com

An electric SUV made in China is also the plan of Future Mobility Corp (FMC). The start-up funded by Foxconn and Tencent and led by former BMWi manager Carsten Breitfeld wants to launch its first EV by 2019 and aims at prices from 40,000 dollars. A sedan and mini van shall follow later. However, first the Najing facility with planned production capacity of 150,000 EV needs to be completed and receive its manufacturing license. If not, executives said they would look to outsource production.
greencarcongress.com, bloomberg.com

The Sinclair C5 is as quirky an invention as it is British. Now, a remake of the 1980 electric trike is due. The Iris eTrike is pedal-assist, comes covered and does look more modern than its predecessor. Grant Sinclair, Clive Sinclair’s nephew, is behind it and will offer the e-trike from 3,000 GBP.
futureentech.com, bikeradar.com, bbc.com (video)

World’s first low floor e-bus? Mellor Coachcraft will bring an electric low floor bus to the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham this April. The Orion E sits 16 passengers and shall have a range of 160 km. Deliveries are planned for July.
transportengineer.org.uk

FF clings to life in USA: Just as Faraday Future seemed to have given up its ambitions to make it in the States (we reported), officials in Nevada refute. The EV start-up has poured 160m dollars into its desert facility and wants to break ground this spring. But the factory will be much smaller, at least during what FF calls the first phase. If completed, 12,000 electric cars may roll off the lines from next year.
recordcourier.com, electrek.co

Modular reviews: Hyundai’s Ionic comes in all shades of green that is as hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric. As it arrived in the States, test reports reach us, comparing apples with apples for once.
jalopnik.com (HEV vs EV), autoblog.com (HEV vs PHEV)

Oct 7, 2016 - 07:39 am

Rinspeed, Detroit Electric, Toyota, Mahindra, Electric GT, Rimac.

Rinspeed shows rolling oasis: Swiss company Rinspeed already announced a new EV concept for the CES 2017, showing first pictures. The two-seater Oasis features large glass and solar panels, while its interior is said to have a living room feel to it. The front windscreen doubles as screen for virtual reality, while a small patch of green allows for drivers to plant flowers or radishes. The future has wheels.
automotiveit.com, rinspeed.eu

Detroit Electric goes to China: The U.S. manufacturer says it is talking with Chinese authorities about setting up shop there and that it found 120 potential buyers for its SP:01. In Hong Kong, the electric roadster can already be ordered. Detroit Electric wants to build a total of 950 units by the end of the year.
scmp.com

EPA rated: The U.S. agency has rated the all-electric range of the Toyota Prius Prime at 25 miles (around 40 km), while average fuel consumption is 133 mpg. The figures were released by Toyota in a press release and mean that fuel consumption of 2017 model is 26 percent better, than that of its predecessor.
hybridcars.com

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New Mahindra EV: Mahindra has launched the electric variant of its small transporter Supro in India. The e-Supro is available for about 12,500 dollars. A version fit for passenger transport costs around 450 dollars more.
indianautosblog.com, indiatimes.com

GT drivers get ready: The Electric GT racing series that will launch next year, has named its first drivers. Next to Stefan Wilson, Vicky Piria and Dani Clos, Leilani Münter, herself a Tesla owner and environmental activist, will get behind the wheel. The series is the first of its kind and features modified Tesla Model S.
electrek.co, motorauthority.com

Two-wheeled Rimac: The Croatian company presented its power e-bike Geryp G12H. Able to go 150 miles on one charge, it has double the range of its predecessor, the Greyp G12S. Details about a release date or pricing were not announced.
ubergizmo.com

Aug 23, 2016 - 08:28 am

Tesla, Detroit Electric, Finland, Nissan, Mahindra.

Tesla comes cheaper: Both the Model S and Model X can be leased over 2 years. The offer is valid until September, 12 and rates start at 593 dollars (Model S) and 730 dollar (Model X) per month. Koreans are now able to pre-order all Tesla models online as the EV maker launched the website.
electrek.co, insideevs.com (leasing), pulsenews.co.kr (Korea)

After the Roadster SP:01 there will be more electric models made by Detroit Electric. The Dutch firm’s CEO Albert Lam ensured the press, the company would not just follow Tesla. Yet, it plans a sedan EV in 2019, followed by an electric SUV. He did not mention an electric truck – yet.
rb.no (in Norwegian) via electrek.co

EV subsidies in Finland? The Centre Party proposed a 4,000 euro grant for buyers of electric cars and already three ministries are discussing the idea. Compared to its Nordic neighbours Sweden or Norway, the Finnish EV share lags behind. In the first half of 2016, only 122 EV were sold.
yle.fi

Tuning the Leaf? Nissan’s head of EV in Europe, Gareth Dunsmore hinted at a faster Leaf similar to the Nismo RC concept car. While he claims it to be “a on-off prototype” he did mention its potential to point to “where the vehicle’s spirit could go.”
carmagazine.co.uk

World’s cheapest electric SUV: Mahindra is working on what is to become the most affordable electric SUV on the global market. Obviously, it will be compact but no more details are known. The Indian firm plans to increasingly electrify its model range.
indiatimes.com

Feb 29, 2016 - 09:10 am

Citroën, Volkswagen, incentives, Acura, Detroit Electric, Toyota.

Citroën DS with new sportscar concept in Geneva: The French will lift the veil of all-electric E-TENSE at the Geneva Motor Show, releasing first images and a teaser video ahead of the show. The sports coupé features two electric motors with a combined 296 kW and a 53 kWh Li-ion battery pack, allowing for a maximum range of 360 km.
greencarcongress.com, autoblog.com, youtube.com (video)

Six times electric: According to insider George Kracher, the Volkswagen Group is considering six new electric models in addition to the upcoming Audi Q6 e-tron, Porsche Mission E and new VW e-Golf. That includes an electric New Beetle and Audi Q4 e-tron (we reported). On the more luxurious side, an Audi A9 or second electric Bentley SUV could be in the pipelines.
automobilemag.com

EV incentives: According to German magazine Der Spiegel, German ministers have agreed on a 5,000 euro bonus for purchasing an EV from July 1st. Businesses can qualify for a 3,000 cash incentive. The so-called ‘environmental bonus’ will run out by 2020 and will be reduced 500 euros per year until then. On the table at a next meeting in April are also the installation of 15,000 charging points, subsidizing R&D of batteries, and the implementation of a quota for newly purchased cars for government fleets.
reuters.com; spiegel.de (in German)

New Acura NSX: After a ten-year absence, Acura opened the order books for its all news 2017 NSX. The combined V6 engine and three electric motors provide a total of 573 hp. Acura does not intend to stop there, and is already looking into a more powerful, more extreme Type-R.
thedetroitbureau.com

Fresh off the line: Detroit Electric has handed off their first SP:01 vehicle. The car is headed to China where it will be used as a demonstration car for potential customers. The carmaker hopes to pursue the Asian market further and to soon announce a distributor for Japan.
carscoops.com

Leaked Toyota: First photos of a production version Toyota C-HR have been made public ahead of the Geneva Motor Show. In line with Toyota’s recent developments, the vehicle will be available as a hybrid.
worldcarfans.com, autocar.co.uk

Jan 6, 2016 - 10:25 am

Tesla Model X, Detroit Electric.

Video tip I: What affect does towing a boat have on the range of the Tesla Model X? This guy put his electric SUV to the test.
youtube.com via insideevs.com

Video tip II: Jay Leno is restoring a Detroit Electric from 1914 using modern components. When the process of “restomodding” is complete, the oldtimer will sit on a Nissan Leaf battery and UQM motor. The top speed will still be 20 mph.
youtube.com via ecomento.com

Oct 30, 2015 - 09:26 am

Mercedes, Detroit Electric, SAIC, Real driving emissions, Toyota.

Electric Daimler SUV: Mercedes plans to fully electrify the GLC and to position it against the Audi Q6 e-tron, auto motor und sport reports. The electric Mercedes SUV aims for a range of 500 kilometres.
auto-motor-und-sport.de (in German)

Detroit Electric delivers: The first SP:01 has rolled off the production line in Leamington Spa, UK, marking the on-sale in Europe and Asia. The lightweight sports car comes with built-in bi-directional charge and discharge capability, so the racer doubles as power source.
fleetpoint.org

Massive EV investment: Chinese carmaker SAIC Motor plans to invest more than 20 billion yuan (3.2 billion USD) in electric and hybrid vehicles in the next five years. The company aims to develop 30 new models targeting total sales of 600,000 units by 2020 and also plans to build 50,000 charging stations.
reuters.com

The EU agreed on new rules for real driving emission (RDE) testing for diesel cars. Yet, instead of using the dieselgate scandal in favour of tighter regulation, the agreement has been watered down. Limits of toxic nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions agreed are double the Euro 6 levels from back in 2007. The EU has also delayed the implementation of new limits for all new cars until 2019.
fleetnews.co.uk, ec.europa.eu

Miscommunication: 2,618 Mercedes B Class Electric Drive have been recalled in the USA. An internal communication error might unexpectedly shut down the electric drive for cars built in model years 2014 and 2015. A software update at dealerships should solve the issue.
automotive-fleet.com, cars.com

Toyota hybrid for China: The Japanese carmaker brings the Levin HEV to the Chinese market. The hybrid model is built together with Chinese joint venture partner Guangzhou. Price starts at 139,800 yuan (22,000 USD), 32,000 yuan (about 5,000 dollars) more than the petrol version.
carnewschina.com

Jul 20, 2015 - 08:30 am

Tesla, Detroit Electric, Youxia Motors, Acura, Volvo.

Model S updates: Tesla now offers a new basic version of its Model S in the single motor version for 70,000 dollars. It comes with a 70 kWh battery pack and is 5,000 dollars cheaper than its all-wheel-drive counterpart. Tesla is also offering a battery pack upgrade from 85 to 90 kWh for 3,000 dollars and introduced the new “ludicrous” mode, which will take the Model S P85D from zero to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds. And – starting in 2019, Tesla also plans to offer a new Roadster!
forbes.com, autoblog.com, teslamotors.com

Two versions of the SP:01: Detroit Electric has released full specifications of its electric roadster SP:01. The “pure” variant comes with an electric motor producing 150 kW, while the “performance” version will deliver 210 kW. Both versions feature 37 kWh battery packs and are said to go 288 km on one charge. The SP:01 is being built in Warwickshire, UK, and will go on sale before the end of this year.
worldcarfans.com, topspeed.com

Electric sports EV from China: Shanghai-based Youxia Motors will present the prototype of its all-electric sportscar “One” on July 26. The car is said to hit a top speed of 300 km/h and have a range of 250 km. Youxia will collect funds for the production of the first five cars via a crowdfunding campaign.
carnewschina.com, worldcarfans.com

Acura NSX undisguised: Videos and pictures of the seemingly final design of the 2016 Acura NSX have emerged on the web. The hybrid sportscar will feature a V6 combustion engine and three electric motors with a combined output of more than 550 hp.
autoguide.com, motorward.com, hybridcars.com (videos)

Volvo XC90 T8 qualifies for the UK Plug-in Car Grant. The hybrid is therefore available from 54,955 pounds. It is Volvo’s first petrol plug-in hybrid to qualify and companies choosing the SUV will be able to write down 100% of the cost against their income tax liability.
am-online.com, carsuk.net

Jul 8, 2015 - 08:33 am

BYD, Detroit Electric, U.S. carmakers, Norway, SGL Carbon.

Build Your Dreams in Europe: BYD plans to set up production in Europe “when the time is right.” The electric car and bus manufacturer considered at least one facility, but has not released any details yet.
just-auto.com (paid content)

Detroit Electric expands: Ahead of the launch of the SP:01 electric sportscar, the company announces four more distributors: GreenCar LLC in Azerbaijan, Carpoint for both Iceland and Norway and GridCars in South Africa. More distributors recently signed in China and South Korea.
electriccarsreport.com

U.S. carmakers beg for CO2 bargain: General Motors, Ford, and FCA US are asking the EPA to grant them retroactive emissions credits for using technology like reflective paint, LED, or more obviously start-stop. They claim these technologies reduce CO2 off-cycle.
autonews.com via autoblog.com

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Norway is the leading EV nation, says the latest IHS Automotive Plug-in Electric Vehicle Index looking at the 1st quarter of 2015. It is followed by the Netherlands, where EV share grew to 5.7%. Germany is 6th out of 8 nations. In terms of volumes, the USA and China are in the lead.
electriccarsreport.com, puregreencars.com

SGL Carbon to restructure: The carbon specialist plans to move away from graphite electrodes as its core business, betting on the increasing demand for carbon fibre and lithium-ion batteries from Tesla’s Gigafactory, for example, from which it hopes to secure orders soon.
focus.de (in German)

Mar 3, 2015 - 09:58 am

Mini EVs in China, Detroit Electric.

Reading tip: Mini EVs are pretty big in China, where more than 300,000 of the 100-mile-range vehicles were sold last year alone. Leading manufacturers are the Shifeng Group, which signed responsible for 60,000 sales and Hebei Yogomo Special Vehicle Manufacturing that billed 50,000 sales.
ecns.cn

Click tip: Detroit Electric has shown the design of what will become its first flagship store to showcase its SP:01 all-electric sports car. The store features touchscreen displays for customers to configure the EV of their dream (that rings a bell, does it?) and is located next to the facility in Leamington Spa, UK.
electriccarsreport.com

Jan 7, 2015 - 09:36 am

Toyota, Detroit Electric, Hyundai, Terra Motors, BMW i, Geely, Yema.

Toyota follows Tesla’s example as the Japanese corporation announced at the CES to share its 5,680 patents relating to hydrogen and fuel cell technologies with the whole industry. According to Bob Carter, Senior Vice President of Automotive Operations at Toyota Motor Sales USA, patents related to fuel cell vehicles will be available for royalty-free licenses until the end of 2020, while patents for hydrogen production and supply will remain open for an unlimited duration.
greencarcongress.com, hybridcars.com, theverge.com

SP:01 production version: Detroit Electric revealed how its e-roadster will look like when going into production in early 2015. When hitting the market in 2016, the SP:01 is said to deliver 210 kW, a top speed of 155 mph and a 0-60 mph sprint time of 3.9 seconds. Customers can already place orders, with early pricing information indicating a starting cost of around 100,500 pounds (159,000 dollars).
autocar.co.uk, carscoops.com

Hyundai reloads: The Korean carmaker has announced to invest about 81 trillion won (73 billion dollars) over the next four years. The money will go into expanding and building facilities while almost a third will be spend on R&D activities with a focus on electric vehicles.
globaltimes.cn, koreaherald.com

2,000-dollar e-scooter: Terra Motors presented its A2000 electric scooter which shares the design with the A4000i but comes at a more competitive price of around 2,000 dollars. The low cost is bought at the price of the environment as the A2000 uses a Lead-acid batteries. Terra Motors hopes to offer its latest model in 10-15 countries this summer, starting with Vietnam in January.
bikeland.org

i8 to launch in India: BMW will enter the Indian market with its i-brand this February, ZigWheels reports. The i8 will hit India in limited numbers and could cost as much as INR 2 crores (about 315,000 dollars).
zigwheels.com via indianautosblog.com

New Chinese EVs: Geely will launch its all-electric EC7-EV on the Chinese market this quarter. While the sedan has a range of 150 km (93 miles), the new Yema T70 EV is said to go much further as the electric estate car claims a 400 km (248 miles) range and is set to launch in April.
carnewschina.com (Geely), carnewschina.com (Yema)

Oct 30, 2014 - 09:27 am

Leahead, Kia, Mazda, Vega, China, Detroit Electric.

Electric Toyota arrives 2015: Toyota’s joint venture Guangqi Toyota in China has founded a new car brand named Leahead. Its first model based on the Levin, which was shown at the Auto China, will be all-electric and become available in China next year. A new hybrid model will also be released next year.
autonews.gasgoo.com

Kia plug-in to come 2016: The new non-hybrid Kia Optima will be available in Germany at the end of next year and the plug-in variant will follow at the beginning of 2016. For that same year, Kia also plans a new compact model that will be available as a hybrid only.
automobilwoche.de, autozeitung.de (articles in German)

Electrified Mazdas? Motor Trend quotes insiders saying that adding electric variants is definitely up for discussion at Mazda. According to rumours, the carmaker will release a diesel hybrid version of its Mazda6 in 2016, followed by an all-electric model in 2018.
motortrend.com

Electric supercar from Sri Lanka: The all-electric Vega by software company Code Gen International will be unveiled in December, while a first image and first details have already been released. The EV will feature a carbon body and two electric motors with a combined capacity of 662 kW.
asiantribune.com

China opens production halls: By the end of the year, the government wants to to finish drafting a policy that would allow new players to produce EVs in China, especially those that are not typical car manufacturers. Companies such as Wanxiang are allegedly in the starting blocks.
bloomberg.com, inautonews.com

More details about the SP:01: The electric sports car by Detroit Electric will weigh only 1,090 kilos and feature a 37 kWh battery pack, allowing for a range of up to 288 kilometres. Moreover, the supercar is said to go from zero to 100 kph in just 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 kph.
cleantechnica.com, detroit-electric.com

Oct 28, 2014 - 09:33 am

Tesla, Detroit Electric, Cenntro Automotive, Audi, Formula 1.

One Tesla fits all: In order to make the Model 3 attractive for as many potential customers as possible, Tesla wants to offer a number of derivatives. According to Tesla’s vice president for engineering Chris Porritt, it could i.e be available as a SUV or an estate – a product strategy similar to that of VW’s Golf.
autoexpress.co.uk, hybridcars.com

Elon Musk announces new leasing conditions for the Model S in the U.S. Working with US Bank, monthly leasing rates will drop around 25 percent. Moreover, if a customer is not satisfied with the car, he or she can return it within three months of purchase.
teslamotors.com, insideevs.com

Detroit Electric teases SP:01: The U.S. carmaker shows its upcoming electric sports car piece by piece. This time, it released a back shot of the final exterior. The SP:01 is said to be the world’s fastest production electric sports car when it becomes available next year.
carscoops.coml, electriccarsreport.com

Citelec for USA: Cenntro Automotive has begun building the small electric utility vehicle for the U.S. market at its production site in Nevada. It can carry up to 635 kilos, has a range of 200 kilometres and comes with a price tag of 20,000 dollars. In Europe, the Citelec is available since 2013.
automotive-business-review.com

Audi A9 as plug-in? The German manufacturer will unveil a design study at the LA Auto Show, which will most likely become available as the new Audi A9 in 2016. German Autobild published a rendering of what the car could look like and Autocar reports, that Audi plans two plug-in hybrid options.
autobild.de (rendering), autocar.co.uk (plug-in rumours)

Audi to hit the F1 track? UK’s Auto Express sites insiders saying that Audi will quit Le Mans and DTM by the end of next year and plans to join forces with Red Bull for the Formula 1 in 2016. So far, Audi officially says that is just a rumour.
autoexpress.co.uk, carthrottle.com

Oct 20, 2014 - 08:25 am

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Detroit Electric SP:01 teaser.

Video tip I: For the latest edition of Fully Charged, Robert Llewellyn puts the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV through its paces – including offroad. While he’s not a fan of SUVs he only has good things to say about the plug-in hybrid, which costs the same in Britain as its diesel counterpart.
youtube.com

Video tip II: Detroit Electric is readying itself for the launch of its electric sports car, the SP:01. It is slated to go on sale in Asia, Europe and the USA at the start of 2015. To promote it the company has released its first teaser video, with initial info also available now on its updated website.
youtube.com (teaser video), detroit-electric.com (info)

Oct 14, 2014 - 08:24 am

Tecnicar, Mitsubishi, BMW, Detroit Electric, Toyota, Kia.

Electric supercar from Italy: Usually known for its smaller EVs, Tecnicar is currently working on a 588-kW sports car with a top speed of 300 kph and an equally impressive range of 300 km. A ‘Lavinia’ prototype might be presented at the Bologna Auto Show in December.
technologicvehicles.com, worldcarfans.com

Mitsubishi to build more PHEVs: Following the success of the Outlander PHEV, the Japanese now also plans to hybridise its Pajero and ASX crossovers, Mitsubishi CEO Osamu Masuko announced. The ASX is said to be offered as plug-in variant by 2016, the Pajero one year later.
autonews.com, green.autoblog.com

BMW i3 Down Under: The German EV will be available in Australia starting November 21st, with the i8 to follow in March. BMW estimates to sell about 15 i3 a month. Buyers will benefit from BMW’s 360° after sales programmes, including wallboxes and charger cables for sockets.
motoring.com.au (i3 launch), motoring.com.au (360°)

Innovation hub Asia: Detroit Electric and South Korea’s Integrated Energy have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the latter will act as a dealer for the SP:01 sports car, starting on the island of Jeju with 300 units. The two companies will also set up a V2X pilot programme, featuring Detroit Electric’s bi-directional charge system.
electriccarsreport.com, greencarcongress.com

Toyota’s home run: At the FIA WEC Six Hours of Fuji race on Sunday, the Japanese carmaker dominated and maintained its unbeaten record on home ground with a one-two victory by Anthony Davidson and Sebastien Buemi in the TS040 Hybrid racer.
foxsports.com, motorsport.com

The Kia Soul EV has arrived in the United States. It was well worth the wait, thinks Bradley Berman, saying the edgy Korean learned a lesson or two from other EVs already on the market. It is cute, strong enough, spacious, quick to charge and “ready to party,” Berman concludes.
nytimes.com

Jun 27, 2014 - 08:43 am

Foxconn, Mitsubishi, Detroit Electric, China, Green brands, Venturi.

Cheap EV made in Taiwan: Hon Hai, also known as Foxconn, is one of the world’s largest contract electronics makers. The company now announced that is working on building an electric car for less than 15,000 dollars. Details on how and when it will be complete have not been released.
wantchinatimes.com

Mitsubishi ramps up production at their Japanese facility in Okazaki. This means that annual production of the Outlander PHEV will be increased from 30,000 to 50,000 units. Fair enough, as the car is quickly becoming a bestseller in Europe (see our number of the day below).
insideevs.com, transportevolved.com

Detroit Electric to get real: The American carmaker decided to build the SP:01 in England and not in the States. The electric roadster will be sold in Asia and Europe by the end of 2014, before coming “home.” With a top speed of 155 mph, the SP:01 strives to become the world’s fastest series electric car.
electriccarsreport.com, puregreencars.com

Is China opening up? The governmental ‘China Automotive Technology and Research Center’ has issued a draft on policy changes regarding the automotive industry. Its proposal is asking the government to open up the EV industry to companies other than carmakers such as Fisker buyer or component manufacturer Wanxiang.
businessweek.com, inautonews.com

Green brand of the year: Interbrand has published its list of the 50 ‘Top Global Green Brands’ of 2014. Ford takes the spotlight away from Toyota, which comes in second, followed by Honda and Nissan. The list includes more corporations other than carmakers.
green.autoblog.com, interbrand.com (full list)

Team Venturi: German race driver Nick Heidfeld and Stéphane Sarrazin from France will join the Venturi Formula E racing team. The inaugural season of the new FIA Formula E Championship will start at September 13th, 2014 with its first race in Beijing.
fiaformulae.com

Jun 19, 2014 - 09:02 am

Detroit Electric, Peugeot, Honda, Formula E, Kia.

Detroit Electric about to start: The company announced it will complete its European testing of the SP:01 shortly. This means Detroit Electric will start production of its electric roadster soon after and promises more details in the coming weeks.
finanznachrichten.de, automobilesreview.com

Meet the new Peugeot 508: The French carmaker revealed its new 508 in London yesterday, which is set to arrive at dealers in September. Both the estate RXH and saloon will be offered with the Hybrid4 diesel-hybrid option.
topgear.com, peugeot.com

Honda is killing the (mild) hybrid car, now also for its luxury brand ILX and will not offer the Acura hybrid again next year. After the recent ‘death’ of the Insight and the CR-Z (only in Europe, we reported), the Acura is the next car being cancelled that uses the Japanese’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) mild-hybrid system.
hybridcars.com, greencarreports.com

Trulli team confirmed: All is set for former Formula 1 driver Jarno Trulli to enter the electric racing series with his team ‘Trulli GP Formula E.’ Even though Trulli is taking the slot of Lord Drayson’s team (we reported), they will stay on board the Formula E as technology partner and will work with TrulliGP on wireless charging.
fiaformulae.com

Certified climate protector: German TÜV Nord attests that the new Kia Soul EV has a strong “Global Warming Potential,” or better, cooling, as the Korean EV emits about 40% fewer greenhouse gases over its whole life than its diesel counterpart. This means the Kia Soul EV scores high on the ISO 14040 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) standard, which takes into account manufacturing, materials, tailpipe emissions and recycling.
electriccarsreport.com, greencarcongress.com

Apr 2, 2014 - 08:40 am

Li-Tec Battery, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Renault, Detroit Electric.

Evonik bows out: Daimler will take over all of Evonik’s shares held in the two joint ventures Li-Tec Battery GmbH (50.1%) and Deutsche ACCUmotive (10%). This makes Daimler the sole owner of the companies, set up back in 2008. The sales price has been kept secret.
greencarcongress.com, thegreencarwebsite.co.uk, bloomberg.com

New Subaru SUV plug-in? Based on insider information, “Motor Trend” reports that the Viziv-2 concept shown in Geneva will go into series production. The plan is for the SUV plug-in diesel hybrid to replace the Tribeca.
motortrend.com, autoblog.com

Outlander PHEV on sale in the UK: The plug-in hybrid will be available starting at 28,249 pounds (46,988 dollars), after a 5,000 pound (8,316 USD) governmental rebate. Meaning it costs exactly the same as Mitsubishi’s automatic Outlander GX3 diesel.
fleetnews.co.uk, electriccarsreport.com

Renault rents battery for less: Monthly rates for batteries for the Twizy and Zoe have been cut significantly in Germany. For the Twizy, battery pricing now starts at 30 euros (41 dollars) per month, compared to 50 euros (69 dollars) before. The rental for the Zoe battery has been dropped from 79 (109 dollars) euros to 49 euros (68 dollars) per month. That the Zoe will be sold with the battery included, however, will remain a unique deal only available to customers in Norway (we reported).
renault-presse.de (in German), transportevolved.com (Norway)

Not very patriotic: Detroit Electric’s E-Roadster SP:01 will not build in Detroit and not in Plymouth, as announced earlier. Instead, production will kick off in the Netherlands later this year. If Detroit Electric manages to sell 999 units, it also plans an electric Limousine.
detroitnews.com, greencarreports.com