By Michael d'Estries
January 14, 2009 – 9:05 am
Could the next decade turn out be the one where hydrogen fuel cells finally become a part of the transportation scene? With fuel cell powered cars from BMW and Honda already available — and now Toyota throwing their hat into the ring — momentum is starting to build towards that reality. With the Obama administration firmly standing behind pumping cash into the green tech field, we may see even greater infrastructure development for this future. But back to Toyota…
In an interview with the NY Times on Tuesday, Masatami Takimoto, a Toyota executive vice president and board member, disclosed the company’s hydrogen plans. “By 2015, we will have a full-fledged commercialization effort,” Mr. Takimoto said. The company’s test subject right now is their Highlander SUV — which has been converted to run off of fuel cells; much like GM’s Equinox. As Congressman Eric Massa (D-NY) proved earlier this week, a hydrogen refueling infrastructure needs to be in place before the industry can take off; something equally echoed in Takimoto’s remarks. “On each side, it will take time,” he said.
So, give or take, most of the major automakers should have hydrogen vehicles available in the next six years or so. Whether they will be affordable (Honda’s FCX Clarity costs $600/mo!), is another story .
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By Kate Weinkauf
December 16, 2008 – 1:53 pm
Mercedes-Benz has promised a gasoline free line-up of automobiles by 2015, and they are on their way to delivering on that promise with the BlueZERO. The BlueZero E-Cell will be the all-electric version of the design, while the BlueZERO E-Cell Plus will feature range-extending hybrid technology. According to the press release, BlueZERO has a “charging capacity of 15 kW, the powerful lithium-ion batteries in the BlueZERO E-CELL and the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS can store enough energy for a range of 50 kilometres within 30 minutes.” Additionally, both of the BlueZERO vehicles incorporate an electronic control unit that supports intelligent charging stations and billing systems to better aid in smart-charging technology.
It is incredibly optimistic to see such utilization of advancing technologies, and the BlueZERO is expected to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January. There are no price points yet, but I imagine that a luxury automobile with a 15kW lithium-ion battery will likely be a bit pricey. We can’t forget, though, that it’s a sleek design and Mercedes-Benz is including as many green materials as possible (even down to the lights and paint); it’s an interesting look at the future of automobiles…maybe next year you can put this on your Christmas list.
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By Michael d'Estries
November 22, 2008 – 8:21 pm
California gets all the cool toys. Not only did the state recently approve initial development of a multi-billion dollar bullet train between Los Angeles and San Francisco, but now plans have been unveiled for a $1 billion dollar charging station network for electric cars. From the article,
San Francisco Bay Area cities promised to build the electric car capital of the United States, announcing a plan on Thursday to work with start-up Better Place to put battery-powered autos on the road in 2012. Mayors of San Francisco, Silicon Valley capital San Jose, Oakland and other cities in the region said they would offer incentives and standardize infrastructure with Better Place, a start-up that aims to offer electric cars as a service, like a cell phone, at prices similar or below standard cars.
Better Place already has experience in building charging station networks; albeit in smaller markets like Israel, Denmark and Australia. Their plan is to garner the capital for the project over the next 18 months (no easy task in today’s economic environment) and then launch a test for 2010. By 2012 — when the market for electric cars is a reality — a full launch will occur around San Francisco.
Gizmodo gives us the DL on how this will all be paid for:
Naturally, a project this vast isn’t going to be cheap—$1 billion is a lot of money to burden the taxpayers with. Fortunately, that won’t be a problem because the project will be funded with an incentive plan directed at companies who install the chargers. Building permits will also be expedited to help move things along. Better Place will also be working with Renault-Nissan to distribute electric vehicles in “much the way telecoms distribute cellphones. Customers will subscribe to drive a certain number of miles and get an electric vehicle at a discounted price. Better Place will own the battery.”
What do you think? Too much too soon? Pie in the sky development? Or just what America needs to kick-start the electric automobile revolution?
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By Kate Weinkauf
November 17, 2008 – 12:51 pm
In a recent New York Times’ article, “My Hybrid is Bigger than Your Hybrid,” the author discusses the 2009 Cadillac Escalade hybrid. Look at it, sitting there. A full three-tons of spacious vehicular decadence, featuring amenities such as heated and cooled leather seats, magnetic ride control, a side-mirror blind-spot warning system, power-deployed running boards. In a time of national economic crisis, this automobile ignores the flailing economy and entices the affluent…hip-hop mogul? Famous athlete? Turtle, from Entourage? I guess we should be thrilled that GM is embracing hybrid automobiles of all sizes and becoming more environmentally conscious. But let’s be honest, the driver of this hybrid S.U.V. is more concerned about the Cadillac crest than the lousy 20 mpg. fuel consumption and simply uses the HYBRID splashed across the door panel as a means of absolving any guilt.
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By Kate Weinkauf
November 7, 2008 – 5:43 pm
Yokohama city, in Kanagawa prefecture in Japan, is one of six municipalities chosen by Japan’s Prime Minister Fukuda to be a “Model City.” A total of 82 applications by 89 organizations were made from all over Japan to this program where the Government provides assistance to various municipalities to set a precedent for a “low-carbon society.”
But, Yokohama can’t do this alone. The city is in agreement with Renault-Nissan, who will release their electric vehicle in Yokohama in 2010. The agreement with Nissan also calls for feasibility studies of customer incentives and for the city to develop an electric vehicle recharging infrastructure and a navigation system that can be used to alleviate traffic congestion. Under the program, Yokohama aims to achieve significant CO2 reductions by experimenting with a range of methodologies in various key areas including transportation, housing and renewable energy development.
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By Michael d'Estries
November 3, 2008 – 4:11 pm
Automaker Mini will soon begin accepting potential applicants to lease and try out its initial run of 500 Mini-E all-electric vehicles. The fun will be available to California, New York and New Jersey drivers — and only for one year. Eight dealers on each coast will service the electrical components. From the article,
“The Mini E is based on the current two-seat, three-door hatchback car. The E has a lithium ion battery powering an electric motor with 204 hp that takes 23.6 hours to charge at 110 volts–and 4.4 hours on 240 volts, which is used in Europe and elsewhere in the world.”
With the difference in charge times being so massive, it’s easy to see why 240 volts in the future of car charging.
Obviously, first adopters often have to pay a massive price for new tech — and this lease is no different. Monthly lease costs are expected to surpass $500. Still interested? Jump on over to MiniUSA.com for more information.
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By Kate Weinkauf
October 20, 2008 – 10:53 am
Perhaps this is Nissan’s attempt at the anti-Aptera. Perhaps Nissan felt Smart Cars don’t look ridiculous enough. Perhaps Nissan believes this is…modern? Forward thinking? Desirable to consumers? While it’s not clear what Nissan Nuvu Concept engineers were thinking in terms of design, it is clear that this electric vehicle has some interesting technology. There is an electric powertrain using lithium polymer batteries, something Nissan will offer in production when it starts selling its electric car in a couple of years. Yet, if Nissan wants to be taken seriously as a manufacturer of electric vehicles, they may need to pair their technology with a design that looks a bit less cartoonish.
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By Kate Weinkauf
October 20, 2008 – 10:49 am
Most vehicles on the Forbes Most Coveted Car List are high performance vehicles with exclusive waiting lists. Thus, with a list price of $98,000 and an estimated wait time of one year, the Tesla Roadster has piqued the interest of wealthy eco-conscious car enthusiasts and celebrities, including George Clooney and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It is a true sign of the times as the all electric Roadster and the Fisker Karma ultra sporty PHEV make an appearance on the list amongst Porches and Bentleys. Admittedly, the attention paid to this EV and PHEV likely has more to do with their exclusivity then being green, but hopefully these cars will raise awareness as well as eyebrows when they are driven.
Check out the full list of coveted cars here.
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By Kate Weinkauf
October 9, 2008 – 12:09 pm
Commuter Cars is an American company based in Spokane, Washington and the Tango is their premier auto. Perhaps you’ve heard of Commuter Cars’ Tango back in 2005 when George Clooney became the owner of the very first and relentlessly promoted the benefits of an electric vehicle.
Completely electric, the tiny Tango has the ability to go from zero to sixty in four seconds, move through traffic like a motorcycle, and take one half of a parking space. While it may look completely unsafe, the Tango is actually so low to the ground and so weighted down by its battery packs, it is nearly impossible to tip. Additionally, the Tango is reinforced with steel roll bars throughout its frame. Granted, because of its small size your passenger has to sit like a bob-sled team member, but Greentech Media suggests that’s all part of the fun. Because of the two battery packs, this sweet little Tango will run you $108,000. Yet Commuter Cars is hopeful they will launch the T200 model for $40,000 and the T100 for $19,000. Both of these higher-production models remain to be developed and are awaiting funding, so until then, it will take quite a bit to Tango.
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By Kate Weinkauf
October 2, 2008 – 1:29 pm
The Paris Auto Show has been filled with hybrid and electric vehicles from Renault, Audi, and Honda, to name a few, and automakers indicated commitments to further pursue production of more hybrids. Honda, for example, unveiled the new Honda Insight hybrid in Paris and promised additional hybrids in the future. Sage Marie, an American Honda spokesman, states, “The Insight is the first of three dedicated hybrid models the company will be introducing in the next four years.”
There are no mileage estimates yet for the new Honda Insight as testing is not completed. The new design features a hatchback and seating for five and is expected to go on sale in Europe, Japan and the United States next Spring. The estimated price is under $20,000, which is good news for car buyers. With the proliferation of hybrids, it is becoming more possible to go green and save some green.
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