Batteries for plug-in cars may soon be controlled by Toshiba electronics.

This is the case given that Toshiba Corporation has just recently announced it will launch a lithium-ion battery monitor chipset for such automotive applications.

The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra 2500 HD bi-fuel pickup trucks begin are now in full production

The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra 2500 HD bi-fuel pickup trucks are now in full production at the Fort Wayne, Ind., plant.

1.2-liter Chevy Spark engine.

The size of engines offered in new cars is downsizing and this tendency is confirmed by the recently unveiled list of nominees for the 19th annual Ward’s 10 Best Engines competition.

Nissan disappointing drop in sales of electric vehicles

Speaking at the mid-term results press conference at Nissan’s headquarters in Yokohama recently, the company’s Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga said he was “disappointed and frustrated” by lackluster sales of electric vehicles in general and the Leaf in particular.

Hybrid Jaguar won a reward “Most Energy Efficient Luxury Car Prototype”

Jaguar’s experimental plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is proving itself in real world competition. The British brand’s XJ_e experimental plug-in hybrid won “Most Energy Efficient Luxury Car Prototype” and “Technical Panel’s Award of Merit” at the third-annual RAC Future Car Challenge.

Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) is on a roll sales-wise, and hybrids represent a growing percentage of this action. Canadian hybrid sales represented 7.5 percent of Toyota sales

Developments of the Michigan university in regard to EV Component

It is easy to believe that any EV battery and components progress we will see will come from China, especially when considering the issues companies like A123 Systems are going through. But it could be that nothing is further from the truth.

PEV sales in the United States should reach nearly 48,000 units in 2012

Assembly lines in Japan and the United States produced during 2011 more than 20,000 plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) – which include battery-electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) – an all-time record these modes of transportation.

Tesla team for completing 1000th Model S body

Tesla’s Model S was launched June 22, and a bit more than three-and-a-half months later, CEO Elon Musk announced over the weekend via Twitter that body number 1000 had been built.

“Very proud of Tesla team for completing 1000th Model S body. More cars made this month than entire rest of year,” tweeted Musk on Sunday.

So the company is speeding up its production capability, as it had said it would. On Oct. 3, Musk had said during the first quarter Tesla had produced 359 complete Model S sedans, and the company was at the steepest portion of its production ramp.

“If the calendar were simply shifted a few weeks to the right,” Musk said at the time, “Tesla would have exceeded the 500 vehicle delivery target for the third quarter.”

An early projection was that Tesla would produce 5,000 units from launch through Dec. 31, but this was later trimmed back. More recently it said it would turn out 2,500-3,500 units in the fourth quarter, and 20,000 for 2013.

Musk also said Oct. 3 that by the end of November, he expects Tesla Motors to be cashflow positive.

Source:
hybridcars.com

Reviews about Tesla Model S

When he’s not entertaining audiences commenting on various other topics, Jay Leno does a fine job reviewing vehicles on his “Jay Leno’s Garage” show, and yesterday’s 13-plus minute overview of the Tesla Model S with its Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen was no exception.

All about cheap car hire

With half term just around the corner many UK drivers will be planning a trip away as a last holiday fling to the sun before winter sets in. This could involve hiring a car at the other end especially if you are flying abroad to your destination.

BMW says its i3 and i8 models to be made primarily from carbon.

For New Yorkers interested in Bavarian EVs, the BMW i “Born Electric” world tour will stop in New York City between Nov. 13 and 18.

Review Notes About 2012 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring

EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: My first impression driving the 2012 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring is that you are getting a lot of sport/ute here for $40,000.

GM has developed a process to form sheets of magnesium using a stamping press.

Like many Americans, carmakers are on a continuing quest to lose weight. Less weight, which equals better fuel economy without a loss in performance, is a key selling point in dealerships.

Choose the main supplier of Low Carbon Leather for All-New Range Rover

While its Range Rover flagship may still be powered by relatively thirsty gas engine, Land Rover is taking steps toward sustainability by greening its interior.

ChargePoint presented a new platform for electric vehicle

ChargePoint recently announced the availability of its "ChargePoint 4.0" platform for electric vehicle drivers and charging station owners.

Lexus introduced its Hybrid LF-LC Blue to the Australian Motor Show

Australia Lexus has revealed the hybrid LF-LC Blue concept at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. Clad in unique Opal Blue, it is the second version of the LF-LC, first debuted at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year.

Nissan has created a new independent Control Steering Technology

Nissan unveiled yesterday the world’s first steering technology that allows independent control of a vehicle’s tire angle and steering inputs.

Audi and its partners believe electric drivetrains represent a key topic for the mobility of the future

Germany’s e performance research project has concluded after three years of work. Audi collaborated with Bosch and several institutes at the RWTH Aachen University to develop a technology platform that would become a major advance for electric mobility.

Badly-Inflated Tyres may find that they are endangering their car insurance policies

Motorists with tyres that are not inflated to the proper level may find that they are endangering their car insurance policies each time they head out onto the road. Authorities are worried that more people are not checking the tyre pressures often enough to keep their vehicles safe.

GM hydrogen technology will be available by 2022

Today it’s the Chevy Volt that General Motors touts as its ultimate gas-saving and environmental solution. In a decade from now could it be fuel cell vehicles?

The first network Tesla Superchargers will be open October 19

Mark your calendars, Tesla fans, as Oct. 19 is forthwith declared “Supercharging Day” by Tesla Motors.

Memoramdum signed - hydrogen refueling infrastructure will be created in the period between 2014 and 2017

Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Hyundai signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with organizations from the Nordic countries, to support the market introduction of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and hydrogen refueling infrastructure between 2014 and 2017.

Ferrari Shows Images Enzo carbon chassis

Ferrari has been teasing images of its pending Enzo successor including the carbon-chassis and V12 hybrid powertrain in the engine bay.

New Developments ALTe Powertrain Technologies

ALTe Powertrain Technologies (ALTe) recently joined the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA). According to a release sent out Oct. 3, ALTe is the developer of the first range-extended plug-in electric hybrid powertrain used to power light commercial vehicles.

Insurance claims at the first frost

There is now doubt about it now the nights are drawing in and the weather is taking a turn for the worse. The chilly mornings mean extra time for many drivers having to defrost or wipe windows and this can be a real pain first thing when you are trying to get out of the house on time.

Ford’s EcoBoost engine has been honored with a Breakthrough Award

Each year the magazine selects the 10 technology products that matter most. In addition to the newest member of Ford’s global EcoBoost engine family, awards were also given to a new type of camera, a very affordable 3D printer and several other high-tech items.

Two versions Fusion Hybrid

Ford’s new Fusion Hybrid will be sold in two versions: Titanium and SE. The Fusion Hybrid SE will be priced at $27,200, or $1,575 less than the outgoing Fusion Hybrid, with even more content. The Titanium edition was developed in response to consumer demand for a higher level of luxury in a hybrid vehicle.

Called the price 2013 Nissan Sentra

Nissan has released sticker prices for the redesigned 2013 Sentra sedan. The base S with a six-speed manual transmission carries a bottom line of $16,770 including the $780 destination fee.

South Carolina also hosts a unique network.

When people think of electric vehicle readiness, states like California, Texas, and Oregon come to mind.

One state that is quietly surprising the nation is South Carolina.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy's alternative fuel locator, South Carolina ranks eighth in public charging station locations per capita. South Carolina has 106 locations for its 4.6 million residents. This is close behind California, which places sixth and ahead of Texas, which places fifteenth. Oregon is on top of the list with 258 public locations for its 3.9 million residents.

Concept car from Audi fantastic opportunities for future

Yesterday in Paris, Audi provided a glimpse of its future design language, along with automotive and drive concepts, through its Audi crosslane coupé concept car.

Brits love to buy Patriotic cars

The UK car-buying public is still interest in flying the flag when it comes to where their cars are made, a recent survey has revealed. The research has shown that despite the country being in deep financial straits, UK motorists are still planning to buy a new or used car this year and of those asked almost two thirds said they were thinking about buying British.

‘Fun Green Car’ recognized as Mini Cooper D

WHATCAR? has named the Mini Cooper D the most “Fun Green Car” for the second year running at the publication’s annual Green Awards.

Combining innovative environmental technology with a frugal 1.6 liter diesel engine, the Mini Cooper D emits just 99g/km of CO2 and achieves 74.3 imperial mpg without compromising the Mini’s go-kart handling.

The Mini Cooper D is equipped with Mini’s MINIMALISM technologies, which are standard across the entire Mini range, and include features such as Auto Start Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and Shift Point Display. Combined, these technologies ensure that Mini customers get the most from each tank of fuel without detracting from the driving experience.

Chas Hallett, WHATCAR? Editor in Chief said “the Mini Cooper D proves it is absolutely possible to minimize transport impact on the environment and still have a lot of fun behind the wheel. It’s exempt from road tax and congestion charges, which makes it a great commuter vehicle, and it’s equally at home on country lanes and motorways. For all-round appeal, it’s hard to beat a Mini.”

Source:
hybridcars.com

Ford Mondeo is as a driver’s car with eco credentials.

The Ford Mondeo has been declared the UK's greenest family car by WHATCAR? for the second year running.

The 1.6-liter Ford Mondeo TDCi ECOnetic is the magazine’s segment winner, thanks to an official combined fuel economy figure of 65.7 imperial mpg and CO2 emissions of 114g/km – meaning owners pay road tax of only £30 ($49) a year.

New car Ferrari to be used in top-level endurance racing

James Glickenhaus, the man who brought you the Ferrari P4/5, is working on a new car to be used in top-level endurance racing such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, possibly as early as 2014. Recently, sketches of the car—currently called the P4/5 Competizione LMP—have made their way to the Internet.

Nissan DeltaWing will race again at next month's ALMS

The team behind the radical Nissan DeltaWing has declared it has “unfinished business” ... after being unceremoniously shoved out of the famous Le Mans 24 Hours in June, the experimental race car will return to finish what it started at the event's little brother, Petit Le Mans.

The new concept Bentley EXP 9 F will be only in 2014

Word has it that Bentley’s EXP 9 F concept SUV – including a V6 plug-in hybrid version – is a “foregone conclusion” for production that could begin as soon as mid-2014.

Tesla Model S identified early achievements

How far can Tesla’s 85-kwh Model S go on a single charge? Oh, around 238 miles says Motor Trend after a mixed driving test with some power-saving tricks employed as well.

New Auris Hybrid at the Paris motor show

Toyota will unveil a new Auris at the Paris motor show this September.

Toyota describes the new Auris as “a car that will deliver improved dynamics, more distinctive styling and higher equipment levels, while also being cheaper to run.”

Honda Fit EV the first time in the U.S.

Congratulations go out to automotive pioneers Matt and Becky Walton, who recently became the first U.S. customers for the 2013 Honda Fit EV. Their new high-efficiency hatchback will become a daily driver for the couple,

EDTA able to move completely on electricity

The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) strongly believes electricity can be a key solution to reducing American dependence on foreign oil and improving the U.S. economy.

This it made clear Thursday, July 26 when EDTA President Brian Wynne testified during a Subcommittee hearing on Energy and Environment before the U.S. House of Representatives Science Committee.

For Fuel Economy Ford will produce F-150 with Aluminum Body

ALLEN PARK, Mich.—In this suburb just west of Detroit, Ford Motor Co. F -0.11%is working on one of the biggest gambles in its 108-year history: a pickup truck with a largely aluminum body.

Hydrogen fuel technology the future of automotive craft

Hydrogen fuel cell technology may have seemed a bit futuristic at one time, but with the first production cars on their way in the next couple of years, it seems that the next step may be to head for the stars.

BMW 7-series line will offer more power, better fuel economy

BMW released the details of the 2013 7-series sedan on Friday, saying that the entire 7-series line will offer more power, better fuel economy and more advanced features. And it all comes at a slightly higher cost.

Eaton provide Affordable Natural Gas

Just last Wednesday we read GE was working on home natural gas refueling, and it would appear competition is heating up in this arena.
Then on Friday, Eaton Corporation also announced it will develop an affordable home refueling station for natural gas vehicles. It will utilize existing natural gas sources in the home and innovative compressor technology, the company says, to deliver the alternative fuel safely and efficiently to vehicles.

Aspid the original concept of the Spaniards

Aspid Cars released the first set of photos of its upcoming GT-21 Invictus sports car. We last heard from the Spanish company in May when it was admonishing us for Photoshopping its teaser photo into view.

The development of new technologies approved Energy Department

As part of the U.S. Energy Department's commitment to give American businesses more options to cut energy costs and reduce reliance on imported oil, yesterday it announced a $2.4 million investment to collect and analyze performance data for hydrogen fueling stations and advanced refueling components.

Announced price Lexus hybrid ES

Lexus made it official today: the first ever hybrid ES, known as ES 300h, will have a MSRP of $38,850. This represents a difference of $2,750 over the ES 350, which carries a base MSRP of $36,100.

Insurance Companies is awaiting final approval from President Barack Obama Act of HR 4348

Insurers are lauding Congressional members who last week passed a major transportation bill that includes a grant program incentivizing stronger state laws for new drivers.

Announced a cost-leader version Vauxhall Ampera in the UK.

Yesterday Vauxhall announced a cost-leader version from among the three Amperas being offered in the UK.