Plugs and Cars

JUNE 4, 2009

I write a column for the Electric Auto Association newsletter, Current EVents. Nissan appears intent on opening up a market for mid-price range electric cars within two years. GM may be in bankruptcy but remains unwavering in its commitment to have the Volt in some showrooms by November 2010. Here's my June column.

Plug-in 100

Plug-in Plug Cars Obama 100

Green Car Congress

JUNE 23, 2014

At the US Department of Energy (DOE) Annual Merit Review in Washington, DC last week, Cory Weaver from Ford Research and Advanced Engineering reported that Ford has completed the planned build of 12 units of the new engine, and is working on vehicle integration for further testing per the project timeline. Installed in a 2013 Fusion.

Fuel Economy 247

Fuel Economy Economy Ford Engine 247

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 22, 2012

Californians own more than 12,000 plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), roughly 35% of all plug-in vehicles in the United States. California PEV owners also have a high adoption rate of solar power, with 39% of respondents currently owning solar and 31% considering solar installations within a year. Source: CCSE. Click to enlarge.

Plug-in 385

Plug-in California Plug Charging 385

EV Adoption

MARCH 9, 2021

These are all dates that various automakers, electric vehicle organizations, and states have declared when they want to ban the sale of or end their production of vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine. In 2010, these batteries sold for more than $1,100 per kilowatt-hour. Chart: EVAdoption / Loren McDonald.

Price 87

Price Gas-Electric Available Charging 87

Green Car Congress

JUNE 5, 2009

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) unveiled the production version of the i-MiEV electric vehicle on World Environment Day in Tokyo. Even when the CO 2 emitted at power generating stations is taken into consideration, the i-MiEV generates approximately one-third of the CO 2 produced by the gasoline “i” minicar, according to MMC.

i-MiEV 170

i-MiEV Mitsubishi 2009 Motor 170

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 10, 2011

Mitsubishi’s North American-spec i-MiEV battery electric vehicle ( earlier post )—available in either an ES base model or upgrade SE trim package —will be available to test drive at US dealerships beginning in November 2011 with the first scheduled customer vehicle deliveries set to commence in early 2012.

i-MiEV 239

i-MiEV Mitsubishi Lithium Ion Batteries 239

Spirit of DC - PHEV3A

AUGUST 3, 2009

In the background, are various EVs from the Las Vegas Electric Vehicle Association, along with the "Spirit" hanging out in the shade and away from the sunny background. The last time a production model of an electric car had traveled from coast to coast was in 1998, when an EV-1 made the journey without consuming an ounce of gasoline.

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Las Vegas 2009 San Francisco Iowa 36

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

APRIL 16, 2009

Ted Kulongoski behind the wheel of Nissan’s prototype electric vehicle. Mr. Kulongoski wants to make Oregon the go-to state for electric vehicle production. According to Nissan, the company plans to introduce its upcoming electric car in Oregon in late 2010. electric car race with i MiEV in Oregon?

Oregon 58

Oregon Green Electric Cars Lead Acid 58

Plugs and Cars

NOVEMBER 28, 2008

Hoping the broader crisis would provide cover for the effects of years of bad management and undesirable product, the over-compensated execs from Detroit flew in separate private jets to DC seeking a handout. Some see greenwashing, some a continuing commitment to electrics in troubling times.

San Francisco 100

San Francisco Plug-in Alternative Fuels Plug 100

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

APRIL 16, 2009

Newly installed CEO Fritz Henderson argues that pioneering projects like the Volt typically lose money until the technology catches on. The Volt is, and always has been, more than than an electric car. GM will leapfrog Toyota and Honda by providing an electric car to the masses by the end of next year. Thats short-sighted.

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Volt GM Chevrolet EV1 41