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Lotus and Harmon partner up to add sound to hybrids

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

When a car is operating on the electric motor only, throttle and speed dependent synthesised sound projects an engine sound in front of the vehicle. When the powertrain control system switches the car back to running on the electric motor only, the synthesis controller instantaneously sets the system running again.

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VIDEO: Driving a Tesla-powered Smart

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

Our friend Doug, of Tesla Motors Club fame, was at the event and went for a ride in the diminutive one, armed with a video camera to record the ride, the results of which we are happy to share with you after the break. I wish the thing was for sale as-is. I would seriously consider getting one whenever it comes out.

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Dodge Circuit EV First Drive: electric car makes grand promises on Earth Day

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

Still, the instant torque of the electric motor is a rush you get to experience all the time in city driving; each time you pull away from a red light and stop sign youre wondering why gasoline engines ever became popular. The car is noisy, with the hum of the electric motor omnipresent when youre not at a standstill.

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Chrysler unveils new electric minivan for the US Postal Service

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

However, the electric drive portion of the vehicles, including the motor, electronics and A123 System lithium ion battery pack is identical. 10:59AM (4/22/2009) I know it is a REALLY superficial criteria, but I love the paint scheme on the blue one pictured. I really hope Chrysler can pull themselves out of the fire.

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Greenlings: Benefits of charging stations vs. battery swaps vs. home charging

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

I regret that the powers that be in this field are still dicking around with figuring out plug uniformity standards (which they just established: woopee), when they should -- dare I say it -- look down the road and see the virtue of uniform replaceable battery packs and therefore set standards and mandate/encourage their use.