As the electric drive is being readied for mass production, a new market is developing in order to sustain the electric car of tomorrow.
May 28, 2009
Market Adapting To Electric Cars
January 21, 2009
Mercedes Hybrid, Slowly But Steady
If the Germans were not quick to embrace hybrid, HEV or electric vehicle, EV technology, Mercedes’ S400 is thorough start. (more…)
September 21, 2008
Electric Vehicles, A Week In Review Part II
So what else has happened this week and weekend in the electric vehicle, EV world?
We have been waiting for a study like this for a while but Harris Interactives came reported on consumer demand for energy efficient technologies in the automotive sector in Europe and the U.S.. According to Business Wire, the super concentrated gist, 20% of Europeans will very or extremely likely purchase a plug-in vehicle, PHEV without considering prices with similar results in the U.S.. Relatively the same percentage of Europeans and Americans expect to recharge their PHEVs daily.
Plugging their vehicle every night instead gassing up every week is very appealing to people considering PHEVs, with and overwhelming 72% European preferring PHEVs. This is what could be called the “Duh!” factor. Obviously, the same consideration for infrastructure is needed for PHEVs since 21% European park on the street when at home. Higher gas prices have moved the U.S. population closer to the Europeans in terms of environment consciousness. Fascinating study that shows the U.S. is on par with its European counterparts which means both markets might be more similar in the future, with obvious lower price benefits for manufacturers and drivers.
A little more about the LighteningGT. So far we really don’t know that much about it but EVO informs us Arthur Wolstenholme started it all with the Ronart Lightning project but looked for new power source and converted to electricity. The only thing left is the windscreen. Will the final product disappoint like so many? According to them, it doesn’t look it since 90% is all there. Relief! It will use the British company PML Flightlink engines and U.S. Altair Nano batteries which are nano-titanate cells. Those batteries have a wider use in different temperatures and need no cooling. With about 3196 lbs, restricted 130mph it will have a 200-mile range. Full charge if you have an industrial electricity outlet built at home would take about 10 minutes, if not, you are looking into 12 hours. Reminds us of Internet speeds and packages you buy from providers. The lighteningGT is very impressive technically and is at stage two of three that will be its commercialization in about 9 months. It’s the the Tesla of England. We cannot wait!
Mercedes’ Lithium Hybrid. According to Spiegel, Mercedes wil have its hybrid, HEV by next year. Now this is important because Mercedes’ take on hybrid should influence all high-end manufacturers. So far it looks as if the HEV will be parallel, meaning gas engine will work with the electric one to improve accelerations and fuel consumption.
Well, there you go. Obviously the Volt news took most of the news this week. It is important and some of the pitches can easily be dismissed. Overall, it is a great idea, a good concept and after all, it will please many.