Idled Former G.M. Plant to Produce Hybrids Oct 28, 2009
Plant to Build Plug-In Electric Cars ... (CBS/AP) California luxury automaker Fisker Automotive is buying an idled General Motors assembly plant in Delaware to produce plug-in hybrid electric cars. (CBS News)
'Nasty' racist behavior Oct 27, 2009
Republican presidential candidate John McCain proposed Monday at a town hall meeting in Fresno that the U.S. establish a $300 million prize -- representing one dollar for every U.S. resident, he said -- for an automobile battery with the "size, capacity, cost and power to leapfrog" commercially available hybrid or electric cars. McCain also proposed tax credits for automakers that sell cars with reduced carbon emissions, offering up to $5,000 for zero-emissions cars. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Green Reva is red rag for some Americans Oct 27, 2009
one New Yorker snippily asked in the local press, after Bannon Automotive, a Long Island electric car firm of uncertain provenance, said it would build Reva's electric cars at a yet to be determined site near Syracuse at an event attended by the governor David Patterson. Bannon is yet to get its financing together and Reva's full board is yet to approve the project, but the fur is already flying over the plan, partly due to what locals see as the states munificence to dodgy entrepreneurs. (India Times)
Bolivia Natural-Gas Industry Losing Clients, Former President Quiroga Says Oct 26, 2009
Lithium is used to make batteries for portable electronics such as cellular phones, I-pods and may power electric cars. Potential bidders for Bolivias lithium deposits include Brazils , French companies and , as well as Japans. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
* Bolivia seeks to exploit its huge lithium deposits Oct 26, 2009
Bolivia has half of the worlds known reserves of lithium X a key mineral used especially in rechargeable batteries, as well as everything from cell phones and laptops to electric cars. With demand for lithium expected to boom in coming years, Bolivia X one of the poorest countries in South America X is sitting on something potentially more valuable than a gold mine. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Seattle expected to be key market for electric cars Oct 26, 2009
Puget Sound is poised to become one of the key markets for the initial wave of electric cars, in part because of plans to begin building next year a network of more than 2,000 charging stations throughout the region ... As part of the DOE grant, the Puget Sound area has been promised 1,000 Nissan LEAF all-electric cars, which will be sold here beginning in December 2010 ... Because of the charging network, the Seattle area will be one of the major markets for other brands of electric cars, said... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Japanese automakers' hydrogen car drive Oct 25, 2009
Toyota president Akio Toyoda says he expects that eventually electric cars will be used for short distances and fuel-cell hybrids for long journeys ... "There is a feeling that by 2050 fuel cells will eventually surpass electric cars," said Ashvin Chotai, managing director of Intelligence Automotive Asia ... "In a lot of countries where electricity is generated with fossil fuels electric cars are still not an ideal solution, especially in places like China and India where a lot of the energy is... (Yahoo! Asia News)
Japanese automakers in new push for hydrogen-powered cars Oct 25, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. A fuel-cell car gives you power, distance. (Channelnewsasia.com)
A cordless future for electricity? Oct 25, 2009
It also will make electric cars more attractive to consumers, he said, because they will be able to power up their vehicles simply by driving into a garage that's fitted with a wireless power mat. Electric cars are "absolutely gorgeous," he added, "but does anyone really want to plug them in?". (CNN -- Tech)
Automakers focus on affordable electric cars Oct 24, 2009
In order for electric cars finally to win public acceptance, they'll need to be affordable, said Nancy Gioia, who this month was named Ford's director of electrification efforts ... Other automakers are developing electric cars and advanced hybrids that avoid the upper price ranges, even though they won't be as cheap as comparably sized, gasoline-fueled cars ... Price isn't the only barrier to electric cars. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Cute Car, But Will You Buy? Oct 24, 2009
Indian Automaker to License New York Plant to Build Electric Cars - Auto - FOXNews ... Indian Automaker to License New York Plant to Build Electric Cars ... SYRACUSE, N.Y A new New York company plans to complete financing this year for a plant to produce electric cars and begin rolling out the three-door, plug-in hatchbacks in late 2010, the company chief executive said Friday. (Fox News)
Indian Automaker to License New York Plant to Build Electric Cars Oct 24, 2009
SYRACUSE, N.Y A new New York company plans to complete financing this year for a plant to produce electric cars and begin rolling out the three-door, plug-in hatchbacks in late 2010, the company chief executive said Friday. Bannon Automotive CEO Paul Wimer said at a news conference that Syracuse was chosen over sites in Kentucky, Michigan and elsewhere because of its proximity to key markets and the "dogged pursuit" of the Freeport-based startup by local, state and federal officials. (Fox News)
New NY company to roll out electric cars in 2010 Oct 24, 2009
An Indian car company has chosen upstate New York for a factory to build a new generation of electric cars for North America, a state official said Thursday ... SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A new New York company hopes to complete financing of a Syracuse plant to make electric cars by the end of this year and start rolling out plug-in hatchbacks in late 2010. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
India's Reva Plans NY Electric Car Site Oct 24, 2009
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- An Indian car company has chosen upstate New York for a factory to build a new generation of electric cars for North America, a state official said Thursday ... There are more than two dozen companies now manufacturing or planning to manufacture electric cars in the United States, according to industry figures. (KSBW 8, CA)
Repairing a hybrid doesn't have to cost a lot Oct 24, 2009
While some cars may be appealing because they are better for the environment or great on gas savings, for the average driver some fully electric cars may not be worth the cost to purchase or maintain. A new lithium ion battery pack for the fully-electric Tesla Roadster - with a sticker price of 101,500 - costs around 36,000. (Fairfax Chronicle, VA)
Reva may sport made-in-US tag Oct 23, 2009
It likely to set up America's first assembly plant for electric cars. A senior Reva executive who didnt wish to be named confirmed the new proposed venture and said: We are exploring all options and would be working in many international markets to export and manufacture our cars. (India Times)
China's Economy: Behind All the Hype Oct 23, 2009
Now the mainland is charging ahead in new industries, unveiling homegrown airliners, electric cars, and high-speed trains. But delve beneath the muscular statistics and hype about advances in strategic industries, and China doesn't seem so prepared to catapult into a role of global economic leadership. (BusinessWeek)
Click to read:Gays Will Get Hate Crimes Protections Oct 23, 2009
"The purchase of some models could be absolutely free," Roger Gaddis of Ada Electric Cars in Oklahoma said earlier this year ... The IRS has also ruled that there's no limit to how many electric cars an individual can buy, so some enterprising profiteers are stocking up on multiple carts while the federal credit lasts, in order to resell them at a profit later. (CBS News)
Electric vehicle incubator in San Jose may be non-starter Oct 23, 2009
The grants would help fund a variety of initiatives, including the development of electric-powered school buses and refuse trucks that would be built in San Jose, as well as electric cars driven for parking enforcement and a solar refueling station. Synergy EV would administer the grants and receive about $400,000 over 18 months in fees if the grants are approved by the state. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
California's Push for Electric Cars May Make Residents Pay More for Power Oct 23, 2009
Californias Push for Electric Cars May Increase Power Rates - Bloomberg ... Californias Push for Electric Cars May Increase Power Rates ... Oct. 23 (Bloomberg) -- Californias push to lead U.S. sales of electric cars may result in higher power rates for consumers in the state, as a growing number of rechargeable vehicles forces utilities to pay for grid upgrades. (Bloomberg -- US)
Electric cars take on hybrids at Tokyo show Oct 22, 2009
" From Honda comes the EV-N, a cute new electric concept car with a retro look that can store a one-wheel personal mobility device inside its door. The high cost of rechargeable batteries has long been a barrier to the launch of affordable electric vehicles, but after technological advances the dawn of zero-emission vehicles appears to be approaching. "Hybrids have disadvantages they are heavy, have a complicated system and still use gasoline," said Tatsuya Mizuno, director of Mizuno Credit... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Don't Create an Enemies List Oct 22, 2009
The administration agrees with this on electric cars and research and development. We may not be far apart on offshore exploration. (CBS News -- Opinion)
Fun could be the key to selling plug-in hybrid autos Oct 22, 2009
Naturally, people want safe and reliable cars, but, they said, the key to wide public acceptance of more expensive plug-in and electric cars is making them fun ... Now, the industry sees electric cars and plug-in hybrids as the next generation of vehicles. (USA Today -- Autos)
GM Volt, Electric BMWs May Boost South Korea Battery Makers Against Japan Oct 22, 2009
Oct. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Electric cars developed by and may help South Korean battery makers grab market share from Japanese rivals tying up with Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. ... Batteries represent about 25 percent of the price of electric cars, Park said ... Global demand for hybrid and electric cars may grow to 4. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Electric battles hybrid Oct 22, 2009
While hybrids are still a big feature, electric cars are competing for attention at this year's show as technological breakthroughs in rechargeable batteries bring mass-produced zero emission cars closer to reality ... While Nissan lags behind its bigger rivals in hybrids, it is one step ahead in electric cars. (iAfrica.com)
A tale of how it turned out right Oct 22, 2009
Electric cars: enough of a bright spark for green transition. One thing is sure: in spite of being well-intended, the recent Climate Change Committee call for more electric cars and nuclear power was a disastrously inadequate distraction from the type, scale and speed of measures actually needed. (BBC News -- Science)
Royal train excites buffs Oct 22, 2009
It aims to be carbon positive by early next year via energy and water efficiency programmes, recycling and waste reduction programmes, electric cars and green banqueting. The ITC Royal Gardenia is part of Starwoods Luxury Collection. (India Times)
States Eager To Power Electric Car-Battery Industry Oct 22, 2009
DETROIT - The U.S. government has made it clear that developing a domestic auto-battery industry - for advanced batteries to power next-generation electric cars - is a priority ... None of the discussion will matter if the market for electric cars falls flat ... Hybrid electric cars make up less than 3% of the U.S. market, and demand fell once gas prices dropped late last year. (W-USA News, DC)
Battery maker seeks $235m from US Oct 21, 2009
Late last month, A123 began trading on the Nasdaq stock exchange, and on its first day, the company made a strong showing that signaled investor confidence in the future of electric cars. That initial public offering of stock raised about $380 million for A123 - funds that it plans to use, at least in part, to match government funding. (Boston Globe)
Honda, Toyota May Sell Electric Cars Beyond U.S. on Environmental Concerns Oct 21, 2009
Toyota, Honda May Sell Electric Cars Outside U.S. on Demand - Bloomberg ... Toyota, Honda May Sell Electric Cars Outside U.S. on Demand ... Oct. 20 (Bloomberg) -- and , Japans two biggest automakers, may expand plans to sell electric cars beyond the U.S. as environmental concerns spur demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Electric promise Oct 21, 2009
If these claims are accurate and if BYD can persuade either the Chinese government or a Chinese city to install a network of the fast chargers, then this large hatchback could be the vehicle that makes the breakthrough for electric cars ... The Chinese government has spent more than any other on its green fiscal stimulus and there is supposed to be support for electric cars ... Even if they are run on coal-fired power, electric cars still produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than a petrol car... (BBC News)
* World News Quick Take Oct 20, 2009
HONG KONG Electric cars pose problems. Switching to electric-powered vehicles to make the air cleaner may cause other problems, or economic opportunities, in the safe disposal of vehicle batteries, a news report said yesterday. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Letters to the editor (10/20/09) Oct 20, 2009
Electric cars can work fine in most of Alaska, Ms. Palin. Sarah Palin's statement in the National Review article "Drill": "Electric cars might work in Los Angeles, but they don't work in Alaska, where you can drive hundreds of miles without seeing many people, let alone many electrical sockets." ... Drill/don't drill -- but don't tell me electric cars won't work in Alaska. (Anchorage Daily News)
Electric cars don't deserve halo yet: study Oct 20, 2009
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Electric cars will not be dramatically cleaner than autos powered by until they rely less on electricity produced from conventional coal-fired power , scientists said on Monday ... Nuclear and renewable power would have to generate a larger portion of U.S. power for electric cars to become much greener compared to gasoline-powered cars, Cohan, who is also president of Carnegie Mellon University, said in an interview ... Advances in coal burning, like capturing carbon at... (Scientific American)
Power hungry world needs to consider the nuclear option Oct 20, 2009
From the new 98 megawatt desalination plant and the pumps for the north-south water pipeline to the supposedly green electric cars coming on to the market, demand for power is ever increasing. Australia's living standards have remained largely intact in an economy that has managed to slither unscathed through a global financial crisis that is shattering lives elsewhere. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
States eager to power up electric car-battery industry Oct 19, 2009
By Sharon Silke Carty, USA TODAY DETROIT The U.S. government has made it clear that developing a domestic auto-battery industry for advanced batteries to power next-generation electric cars is a priority ... None of the discussion will matter if the market for electric cars falls flat ... Hybrid electric cars make up less than 3% of the U.S. market, and demand fell once gas prices dropped late last year. (USA Today -- Autos)
Daikin Expects Fluorine Sales for Batteries to Gain on Electric Car Demand Oct 19, 2009
Daikins Fluorine Sales to Gain on Electric Cars (Update1) - Bloomberg ... Daikins Fluorine Sales to Gain on Electric Cars (Update1) ... Oct. 19 (Bloomberg) -- , the worlds second biggest air-conditioner maker, expects its sales of fluorine used in rechargeable batteries to gain more than 10 times in eight years as a shift to electric cars spurs demand. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Mr Ghosn bets the company Oct 18, 2009
At Frankfurt, Mr Ghosn presented what he described as a complete range of affordable purely electric cars ... In particular, most analysts consider Mr Ghosn s forecasts of demand for electric cars to be wildly optimistic. (The Economist)
Electric cars won't work in Alaska, Palin says Oct 17, 2009
In a new column on U.S. energy policy -- headlined simply "Drill" -- former Gov. Sarah Palin says electric cars "don't work" in Alaska because it can be hundreds of miles between electrical sockets. "The federal government shouldn't push a single, uni-versal approach to alternative-powered vehicles," says the column. (Anchorage Daily News)
Coal and nuclear just hot air, the immediate answer is gas Oct 17, 2009
People are looking for a cleaner energy source, one they can believe in, and enough to keep the lights on and power electric cars and desalination plants by 2050, when Australia's population will be 35 million. Everybody knows clean coal will not cut it, and that is why the only person willing to spend real money on it is the federal Energy Minister, Martin Ferguson. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Toyota's tiny footprint Oct 16, 2009
Its design and technology visualize a future society where electric cars will be in common use and tailored for user needs, the type of energy used and local energy supply infrastructure. The FT-EV is designed primarily for urban driving. (iAfrica.com)
Apollo Kauai to host discussion on green transportation options Oct 16, 2009
Their owners will be happy to share information about these vehicles and presently available small electric cars, a news release says. Janine Rapozo from the county Transportation Agency will update us on their efforts to become more energy efficient and their ongoing improvements to the bus system. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Tsang keeps purse strings tight Oct 16, 2009
Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau Tang-wah said last week the government would buy 10 electric cars from Japan's Mitsubishi, for testing. Cash coupons worth HK$100 cash are also to be handed out for the purchase of energy-saving light bulbs. (Asia Times Online)
Role of boards in understanding competitive risk Oct 16, 2009
Once there are enough electric cars or hydrogen-powered cars to justify a ubiquitous hydrogen distribution network or easy access to battery chargers, people may stick with the new technology, come what may, rather than switch back to petrol. As Ali Naimi once said, when worrying about the future of oil, The Stone Age did not come to an end because the world ran out of stones. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Nuclear delusions Oct 15, 2009
As Australia's population grows and as we transition to electric cars and other electric appliances we will require as much baseline generation capacity as we can build. Bill Williams trots out the same old lines about the nuclear boggy man that Caldicott et al have run out over the decades to scare the Australian people. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Best car blogs Oct 15, 2009
for instance, caters to readers interested in biofuel, electric cars and green technology. Recent posts have discussed the possibility of using nonfood biofuels-like inedible weeds-to power cars. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Improved Redox Flow Batteries For Electric Cars Oct 14, 2009
13, 2009) A new type of redox flow battery presents a huge advantage for electric cars ... The German government s ambitious plan envisages one million electric cars being sold in Germany by the year 2020 ... 16, 2008) Researchers are helping to develop new rechargeable batteries that could improve hybrid electric cars in the future. (Science Daily)
Vale May Bid on World's Largest Lithium Deposit in Bolivia, Official Says Oct 14, 2009
Lithium is used to make batteries for portable electronics such as cellular phones, I-pods and laptop computers, and it may power electric cars. Theyve spoken generally about the issue, and they need to solidify a specific offer, Beltran said. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Toyota Balks as California Woos Utilities to Aid Electric-Car Development Oct 13, 2009
To entice utilities to accommodate demand growth spurred by charging of electric cars, the state plans to give credits that can be sold to fuel makers that need to offset carbon in their products ... State regulators also are reviewing whether utility rates may need to be increased to cover the cost of charging infrastructure for electric cars ... From model years 2012 through 2014, the largest carmakers by volume in California must sell about 60,000 plug-in hybrids and electric cars combined,... (Bloomberg -- Japan)
The Real Impact of America's Oil Crisis Oct 13, 2009
I feel a tremendous amount of optimism about a shift toward electric cars. We need to rebuild the electricity grid, number one. (Time.com)
SU receives B grade in annual sustainability review Oct 13, 2009
Also in 2008, the university began using hybrids, electric cars and Zipcars, Sweet said. Page 1 of 2. (Daily Orange, NY)
FOX Drives the Chevy Volt...Courtesy of Mazda? Oct 13, 2009
The general consensus that they ve come away with is that it drives just like electric cars have been driving for over a century now, and there s nothing new to report there. What the world really wants to know is what happens after the first 40 miles when the battery runs out of juice. (Fox News)
UK 'needs step change' on climate Oct 13, 2009
The committee, chaired by Adair Turner, also wants more support for electric cars, a new scheme to encourage investment in clean coal technology and streamlined planning procedures for wind farms and nuclear reactors ... Ministers should accelerate plans to roll out electric cars, the committee says ... In 2020, one-sixth of new cars purchased could be electric - but only if the government encourages the installation of charging points, and supports purchasing of new electric cars by about... (BBC News -- Science)
Britains Mighty Electric Car Market Oct 13, 2009
And a national electric charging system should be set up so that 240,000 electric cars can be on the road by 2015, rising to 1. 7 million by 2020. (Slate)
Energy crisis postponed, new gas rescues world... Oct 13, 2009
As for the US, we may soon be looking at an era when gas, wind and solar power, combined with a smarter grid and a switch to electric cars returns the country to near energy self-sufficiency ... Would somebody please explain to me how electric cars reduce elctricity demand----so millions of car batteries will need to be charged every day from the power grid unless there is some other source that is yet to be disclosed. (The Drudge Report)
Why Are So Many CEOs Suddenly Environmentalists? Oct 11, 2009
It strikes Taylor that if the government were to guarantee a stable gas price of between $3 and $4 per gallonthrough a high national gas tax like they have in Europe, for exampleit might spur innovation and hasten the shift to electric cars. "Consumers would know what kind of car they want to buy, and manufacturers would know what to build," he says. (Slate)
GM, Toyota's Fuel-Cell Plans Clash With U.S. Infrastructure Priorities Oct 10, 2009
Oct. 9 (Bloomberg) -- , and other automakers want to sell consumers electric cars powered by hydrogen within six years ... The U.S. has provided more than $10 billion in low-cost loans and grants this year for production of electric cars, batteries and charging infrastructure, as the Obama administration pushes automakers to improve and cut oil imports. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Iowa Town Bets On Electric Car's Future Oct 10, 2009
Elk Horn is taking the lead in offering charging stations that could pave the way for more people to buy electric cars ... He said he believes so deeply in electric cars that he's leading the charge to install power stations at a local hotel, a service station and eventually six other places in the town of 650 people ... They believe that once charging electric cars becomes convenient, people will buy them and drive them to Elk Horn. (7 KETV Omaha)
Source: GM nears completion of Hummer sale Oct 9, 2009
Theres a buzz over electric cars at the international motor show. more photos. (MSNBC -- Business)
Exxon CEO: U.S. Gas Consumption Peaked Oct 9, 2009
Biofuels and development of electric cars are lowering U.S. drivers' gas guzzling, says Tillerson, who expects a downtrend in oil product demand towards 17 million barrels a day by 2020. "We think going forward that because of the emphasis on energy efficiency, ongoing improvements in vehicle miles standards and hybrid (cars), that motor vehicle gasoline demand is down, is headed down, and is going to continue to head down," Tillerson told Reuters. (Newsmax)
China's electric car revolution Oct 9, 2009
Indeed, a major concern with electric cars is the amount of time it takes to recharge a battery (even the most advanced batteries take an hour to recharge at best) ... Geely Automobile, China's largest privately owned car firm, has announced the upcoming release of its EK-1 model, the first of its new EK series of fully-electric cars, at the end of the year ... FAW group, China's oldest car manufacturer, plans to release hybrid-electric cars by 2012. (Asia Times Online)
Briefing: Wiser wires Oct 9, 2009
Among other things, a smart grid would be able to avoid outages, save energy and help other green undertakings, such as electric cars and distributed generation ... Added intelligence would also make it much easier to cope with the demand from electric cars by making sure that not all of a neighbourhood s vehicles are being charged at the same time ... Islands and self-contained cities, such as Malta and Singapore, will invest more in upgrading distribution, to cope better with renewables and... (The Economist)
Bold steps needed for Malaysian budget Oct 8, 2009
Most people would love to see such taxes lowered significantly but what I am suggesting is a huge reduction in the price of hybrid and electric cars. Such cars should be cheap enough so that people who can afford to buy cars at todays high prices would opt for such fuel-saving vehicles, thus not only prolonging the fossil fuel resources of the country but also reducing the Governments subsidy bill. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Nissan's electric vehicle tilts into corners Oct 8, 2009
Toyota's FT-EV II has a roomy cube design, a relatively conventional look for electric cars. But Honda's EV-N is small and cute with an intentionally old-fashioned car shape. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Cleantech could be economys next boom Oct 7, 2009
This time, it's better batteries, more efficient solar cells, smarter appliances and electric cars, not to mention all the infrastructure needed to support the new ways energy will be generated and the new ways we'll be using it ... maker of lithium-ion batteries for electric cars, had one of the most lucrative public stock offerings this year, raising $437. (MSNBC -- Environment)
