Polaris and Zero Motorcycles have revealed their first vehicle, an all-electric utility task vehicle (UTV) called the Ranger XP Kinetic, which will arrive in US dealerships in summer 2022 and is also bound for the UK and European markets.
Read more
Zero Motorcycles teams up with power sports outfit Polaris to come up with electric vehicles, including ATVs and snowmobiles. The companies signed an “exclusive, 10-year agreement,” which Polaris said will help their effort to have an electric version of every vehicle type the company offers by 2025.
Read morePSA buys Opel: The deal is done, the French group acquired GM’s Opel/Vauxhall brand for 2.2bn euros and thus creates a new European car force. The agreement includes the Ampera-e aka Chevy Bolt technology but Peugeot, Citroen and now Opel would be wise to develop their own electric offering rather sooner than later. PSA is indeed determined to make its new family member profitable within three years, although Opel recorded its 16th consecutive full-year loss. GM will receive 1.32bn euros for the brand’s manufacturing arm in both cash and PSA share warrants. The remaining 900m euros will be paid by the Paris-based carmaker and BNP Paribas for the financing side of Opel-Vauxhall.
reuters.com, greencarcongress.com, autonews.com
This is the first EQ Power+ model and also Mercedes AMG’s premier in-house developed sedan. While the teaser video does not reveal too much of the AMG GT Concept destined to debut in Geneva, it will almost certainly be offered as PHEV, because it bears the EQ Power+ label visibly – EQ Power+ reportedly is the new label Daimler reserved for high performance hybrids.
youtube.com, autoevolution.com, autocar.co.uk
Indian e-racer? Mahindra wants to utilise its Italian design studio Pininfarina for its own line-up to develop an electric sports car. A feasibility study is underway already, according to the Economic Times, and will be completed within the next three to six months.
indiatimes.com
— Text Ad —
Scan&Charge enables ad-hoc charging via QR code, without the need to register with a service provider. Scan&Charge is free-of-charge for all Charging Point Operators. EV drivers simply need to scan the image and select a payment method to start charging. Billing can be done by the minute or kWh. Get ad-hoc charging on your network for free today! www.plugsurfing.com
Tesla readies its Korea launch with first showrooms due to open soon in Seoul and Hanam. Furthermore, the EV maker is setting up Superchargers as well as a network of Destination Chargers.
yonhapnews.co.kr (showrooms), koreatimes.co.kr (infrastructure)
Polaris wants to build e-motorcycles again despite the defeat of its Victory brand. A new electric motorbike will bear the label Indian and can be expected within 4 – 5 years, the company said.
reuters.com
Kia electric in China: The Korean carmaker plans to use its Chinese JV Dongfeng Yueda Kia to build an electric sedan this year. The 300E from the sub-brand Horki is based on the Kia Cerato and will only be available in China, where Kia just started to sell its hybrid Niro as well. The crossover goes from 149,800 yuan (about 20,500 euros) and thus rivals BYD’s Yuan SUV that costs 50,000 yuan more. Kia has to act aggressively as its sales in China plummeted by almost 40% from a year earlier.
theinvestor.co.kr
- ADVERTISEMENT -
Audi Q8 Concept premiered: The concept SUV, which is being presented at the NAIAS in Detroit, gives an outlook on the upcoming Audi Q8 that will launch 2018. It will be fitted with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that combines a petrol engine and 100 kW electric motor. The total output is listed as 330 kW (448 hp). The 17.9 kWh battery pack allows for an all-electric range of 37 miles (60 km).
greencarcongress.com, autocar.co.uk, electriccarsreport.com
Honda hybrid: The carmaker confirmed that it will offer a dedicated hybrid from 2018. The name is still unknown, but it will use the same drivetrain as the Honda Accord Hybrid and be built in the U.S. Honda also says it will electrify half of its model range in the coming years, as well as offer a battery-electric and plug-in variant of its Clarity Fuel Cell before the end of the year.
greencarcongress.com, autoblog.com, carscoops.com
Electric Infiniti: Nissan’s luxury brand will add a purely electric vehicle to its portfolio in the next three years, Autocar reports citing CEO Roland Krüger. A prototype is apparently already in the pipelines. All that is known, is that it will be a dedicated model, while technical details have not yet been released.
autocar.co.uk
No victory lab for Polaris: The company is shutting down its Victory Motorcycles brand, but says that the electric Victory Empulse could be made available under a new name. Polaris also confirmed that all “All Brammo patents, technology, intellectual property and Polaris enhancements remain the property of Polaris and will be applied to other product and business units.”
carscoops.com
Camry, take eight: Toyota showed the eighth generation of it Camry in Detroit. Just as the new Prius, the car is built on the Toyota New Global Platform (TNGP) and will be offered with the new THS II hybrid system later this summer.
greencarcongress.com, hybridcars.com
Price tag: The plug-in hybrid variant of BMW new 5-series has now been priced in the U.S. The 530e will be available from 51,400 dollars later this spring.
greencarcongress.com, electriccarsreport.com
Tesla gets competition: Faraday Future says it will invest 1bn dollars in a factory to build its first electric car by 2017, quickly followed by more models. The facility’s exact location will be revealed in the coming weeks, but will definitely be in the U.S. (we reported). The California start-up is backed by Chinese billionaire Jia Yueting and counts numerous EV professionals in its ranks. The company says it thinks of EVs as smartphones that drives revenue via subscriptions for connective services.
bloomberg.com, greencarcongress.com, prnewswire.com
Push for EV producers: China is about to approve production licenses for electric carmakers, a first since 2009. More than ten manufacturers applied. Back in March, the government encouraged internet firms to look into EV development, if they are now among applicants remains to be seen.
bloomberg.com
Daily Electric update: Iveco launches a new version of its electric van with an improved battery at the Ecomondo show in Rimini, Italy. The new Daily Electric has a said range of 280 km. Battery life has been extended by as much as 20 percent, while payload capacity increased by around 100 kg.
commercialfleet.org
Kangoo ZE update: Renault UK announces new trim lines and improved standard equipment for the electric van. The Kangoo ZE now includes a wall-mounted charging cable (Type 2, Mode 3) and a warning system for pedestrians and cyclists. Prices remain the same from 16,161 pounds.
evfleetworld.co.uk, electriccarsreport.com
Detroit Electric shuns U.S.: Despite its name being based on an old American carmaker and the once proud Motown, the EV maker will not be selling its SP:01 in the U.S. The Lotus-based racer is produced in a UK facility and while shipping is no problem, airbag regulations in the U.S. are.
bbc.com via insideevs.com
New very compact EV: Polaris is upgrading its GEM series of electric light utility vehicles, utilising battery technology by electric motorcycle manufacturer Brammo. Six models, namely the e2, e6, e4, eL XD, eM 1400 and eM 1400 LSV, offer space for up to six passengers and have a top speed of 40 kph.
insideevs.com, greencarreports.com
Video tip I: This episode of Fully Charged is full on, as Robert Llewellyn takes the Model S P85D, aka “the beast,” for a spin in ‘insane mode’. Fasten your virtual seatbelts, please.
youtube.com
Video tip II: Polaris reportedly “reissued” the Brammo electric motorcycle under the Victory brand and now delivers a steamy spot to promote the Empulse TT as a true racer. Amateur riders, please beware that these professionals rode on a closed course.
youtube.com
- ADVERTISEMENT -
Audi Q6 preview: Audi is working on a concept under the codename “C-BEV” for the IAA in Frankfurt that will preview the 2018 Q6. The SUV is said to be fully electric and is thus pitched against the Tesla Model X. First images show a sleek high-seater with immersible door handles.
auto-motor-und-sport.de (in German), autocar.co.uk, carscoops.com
Polaris electric motorcycle: Polaris has finished its first electric motorcycle under the recently suggested Victory brand. Based mainly on the Brammo Empulse R street bike, a brand it just acquired, the Victory Empulse TT features a 10 percent bigger battery and a slightly improved design.
asphaltandrubber.com, insideevs.com
Electric bus JV: SAIC and Wanxiang Group have set up a 49-51 percent joint venture, called SAIC Wanxiang New Energy Coach. Within the next few years, the JV will develop and build a new electric bus. Further cooperation between the two companies might be sought for Fisker.
autonews.gasgoo.com
— Text Ad —
Hubject publishes the Open InterCharge Protocol 2.0: the latest version of the eRoaming protocol OICP is now available to download for free for all intercharge partners and other interested parties. The protocol describes the fully automated communication between charge point operators, providers and eRoaming platforms. More information under www.hubject.com
Fuel cell JV takeover: Plug Power will acquire 80 percent of the remaining shares of the HyPulsion JV, which it now owns with Air Liquide SA. The JV was set up in 2012 to build and sell fuel cells in Europe, mainly for forklifts. Plug Power intends to grow sales, while Air Liquide will continue to supply hydrogen.
bloomberg.com
New RAV4 spotted: Toyota’s facelifted 2016 RAV4 Hybrid has been photographed in Los Angeles and looks pretty much ready to go into serial production. The front resembles a Scion iM and the hybrid features an electric motor at each axle.
carscoops.com
Kalkhoff goes USA: The German bikemaker has three pedelecs in the pipeline, ready to go on sale in the U.S. this autumn. The Integrale 8 and 11 both feature Kalkhoff’s own Impulse drive in the regular and speed version. The Include 8 Premium has a step-trough frame. All e-bikes offer a range of up to 127 miles.
blog.gatescarbondrive.com
Reading tip: The next electric motorcycle might come from Polaris, Collin Woodard speculates. The all-terrain vehicle specialist recently acquired Brammo and with Victoria and Indian already owns two motorcycle brands.
cheatsheet.com
Video tip: Robert Llewellyn finally has got his own Model S and filmed the ceremonial hand over for Fully Charged. It looks like all quarrel truly is forgotten, as his sponsor Ecotricity recently took Tesla to court.
youtube.com
i-MiEV comeback: Mitsubishi confirmed that the 2016 model of its i-MiEV will arrive at U.S. dealerships in March. The only change is an optional navigation package, while everything under the hood stays the same. As does the car’s price tag: The small EV will go for 22,995 dollars before subsidies.
transportevolved.com, automotiveworld.com
Ford drops prices: The carmaker offers its 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi at considerably lower prices in the U.S., also to make room for the next model. Customers can benefit from an 18 percent price reduction for the Hybrid and 17.7 percent for the Energi. The programs expire March 31st.
carsdirect.com, greencarreports.com
Ecuador ready to plug in: The South American country has scrapped import taxes on EVs and announced cooperation agreements with BYD, Nissan-Renault and Kia to begin selling electric cars in Ecuador. The government also plans a local production of EVs in the future and said it will invest some three million dollars in charging infrastructure.
ecuadortimes.net, amerika21.de (in German)
New spy shots: The next-generation Porsche Panamera was caught on camera while being tested in winter conditions. There are also new images of Bentley’s first upcoming SUV, the Bentayga. Both cars will be available as plug-in hybrids.
motorauthority.com (Porsche), carscoops.com (Bentley)
LiveWire Experience Tour extended: Harley-Davidson will sent its first all-electric motorcycle to Asia, Europe and Canada this year to let people there experience it and provide feedback to help with the bike’s further development. After all, the Project LiveWire was designed to see what customers’ expectations for an electric Harley would be.
motorcycle-usa.com, ndtv.com
Polaris buys Hammerhead: With the acquisition of the Shanghai-based manufacturer of petrol powered go-karts, light utility and electric utility vehicles, Polaris hopes to expand both their “international manufacturing footprint and armada of off-road products.”
wallstreet-online.de, marketwatch.com, polaris.com
French scrapping scheme: France’s government has announced to pay 10,000 euros for any diesel which is replaced with an electric car and 6,500 euros when buying a plug-in hybrid. The scheme is to run from April until the year’s end. Furthermore, “pastille vertes” (green stickers) will be introduced for clean vehicles which are will be rewarded with certain privileges.
connexionfrance.com
Californian EV for China: ZAP Jonway just signed an OEM agreement with Dong Feng Motor for 5,000 units of ZAP Jonway’s EV minivans to be sold under the Dong Feng brand and its partner Shi Kong in China. The minivan will here be classed as delivery vehicle with a bigger battery and less seats.
itbusinessnet.com
Kia update: The Koreans have published another teaser image for their hybrid concept to debut at the Chicago Auto Show and have released its name: Trail’ster e-AWD Concept.
electriccarsreport.com, autoblog.com
New electric motorcycle: After taking over Brammo, Polaris is already making plans to soon build their very own model. The company has filed a trademark for a “Victory Charger” and has added “Electric motorcycles and structural parts therefor” in the description.
insideevs.com, motorcycle-usa.com, blog.motorcycle.com
Tesla beats them all as the electric carmaker was awarded the highest rating of any manufacturer for its service in Consumer Report’s latest survey. Tesla thus outranked all dealerships and even independent garages with its on-time repairs, courtesy, price, quality and overall customer satisfaction.
transportevolved.com
Polaris buys Brammo’s motorcycle business: The investment will allow Brammo to focus solely on designing, developing and integrating electric drivetrains. Polaris’ will help market vehicles using Brammo technology and utilize the assets acquired to manufacture electric motorcycles later this year.
puregreencars.com, electriccarsreport.com
Porsche 919 Hybrid LMP1 unveiled: The second generation of the Le Mans racer features a more angular nose than last year’s design. The hybrid drivetrain will consist of a V4 gasoline engine, an electric motor to power the front wheels, as well as two recuperation systems.
autosport.com, jalopnik.com, greencarcongress.com
Toyota kills Scion iQ: Due to ever falling sales figures, the company is pulling its Smart lookalike off the market. The electric variant had already been cancelled with fewer than 200 units built. Scion as a brand will continue to exist. If it will venture into the electric or hybrid market again remains to be seen.
greencarreports.com
Gigafactory update: Recent construction permits for Tesla’s battery plant in Nevada reveal that just laying foundation will cost some 16 million dollars and the first phase of structural steel construction another 15 million. The total cost of the project is estimated at 5 billion dollars. Right next door, the company Switch will build what will be the world’s largest data centre.
forbes.com (Tesla), gigaom.com (Switch)
Toyota recall: In the U.S., the carmaker is calling back 5,000 Prius V from model years 2014 and 2015 due to possible issues with the Occupant Classification System (OCS). The system is responsible for activating and deactivating the passenger seat air bag and may not have been calibrated correctly.
puregreencars.com, autoblog.com
McLaren P1 GTR headed for Geneva: The track-only hypercar will be unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show as a world premiere. The GTR features a tweaked version of the hybrid system from the P1 road car and only existing P1 owners will get a chance to buy it.
roadandtrack.com (with video), topgear.com
Hyundai’s mild hybrid: In Paris, the brand shows the Hyundai i40 with a new diesel mild hybrid. It is the same as in the Kia Optima, where a 48 V lead-carbon battery is recharged during deceleration and supports the engine during acceleration. The 10 kW starter generator is able to propel the car fully-electrically at low speeds.
indianautosblog.com, newcarnet.co.uk
Polaris pedelec: The US-manufacturer debuted its e-bike range at the Intermot show in Cologne. Polaris is using its so-called Gear Speed Technology that takes into account cadence and inclination as well as the chosen gear and then adds the motor’s power accordingly.
bikeundbusiness.de (in German)
Tesla trade-in: The Californian EV maker is developing a ‘Certified Previously Owned’ (CPO) scheme, Simon Sproule, VP of communications, announced. It would see Tesla buying back and revamping used EVs, before reselling them. This could also help Elon Musk keeping its resale-value promise.
techcrunch.com, gizmodo.co.uk
— Text Ad —
URBAN FUTURE Global Conference 2014 – the premier smart city conference in Central Europe in cooperation with the United Nations | Nov 18-19, 2014 | Graz, Austria | 140+ high-level international speakers, 1,000+ delegates from 50 countries and 4 conference tracks: Mobility, Living & City Planning, Communications, Energy. Read more >>
Innovation credit: BMW introduced a new rebate programme in the States this month. The ‘Innovation Credit’ sees lease customers or buyers of an i3 getting a 2,000-dollar discount. If opting for the range extended version however, “only” 1,000 dollars will be remitted.
greencarreports.com, bmwi.bimmerpost.com
Limited BMW: The Bavarian carmaker will issue a limited edition of its ActiveHybrid 7. Only 20 units of the ‘Individual Edition’ will be built and come at a starting price of 13,100,000 yen (about 119,000 dollars). The car will not offer any special features, as all options of the limited-edition car can be ordered individually on all 7 series.
autoevolution.com
Sonic to be electrified? GM is apparently working on a new 200-mile electric car based on its Sonic model. A prerequisite for the new development will be the new battery providing said range LG Chem is developing at the moment. If all goes to plan, the Sonic EV could replace the Opel Ampera in Europe and would also be offered in the States by 2016.
thetruthaboutcars.com
New EVs by Polaris: The American company has launched a whole new line of electric light-utility vehicles, namely the e2, e6, e4, eL, eS, eL XD and eM1400. They offer space for two to six persons and are said to haul up to 1,450 pounds of payload.
hybridcars.com, automotive-business-review.com
Japanese E-Roadster: The young carmaker GLM and racing car manufacturer Tommy Kaira have electrified the sports car Tommy Kaira ZZ. The convertible will cost around 80,000 dollars and already got all the necessary approvals. While the companies want to market the EV globally, it will probably launch first in Europe by 2015.
techinasia.com, green.autoblog.com
New Fisker by 2017: Wanxiang CEO Lu Guanqiu said a new Fisker model cannot be expected before 2017. Prior to that, the New Fisker will reissue the Karma but not before having fixed about 250 bugs found in the current version of the car. Like before, the Karma will be built in Finland.
autonews.com, jalopnik.com
Audi E-tron in the UK: The German carmaker released the pricing for its plug-in hybrid in Britain. There the A3 E-tron will start at 29,950 pounds including the 5,000-pound government grant. Deliveries will begin in early 2015 while the hybrid Audi is available to order from showrooms now.
honestjohn.co.uk
Tesla to move deeper into the UK: The second official Tesla store opened in West London following the first outlet in Westfield shopping centre. The Californians have more stores planned in Crawley, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle and Edinburgh which are set to open by year’s end.
thegreencarwebsite.co.uk, electriccarsreport.com
