Tesla reveals Model X SUV with falcon wings

Tesla has unveiled the Tesla Model X, the CUV prototype version of the Model S. The Model X can go from 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, features all-wheel drive, is heavier than the Model S and therefore, will offer 10% less range than the S for the same 60 and 85 kWh battery packs. The price will be similar to the S, beginning around $ 50,000 after tax credits, and going up to $ 90,000 with the largest battery packs and other features.

The batteries are housed in a low skateboard, similar to S, which leaves a lot of space. The CUV doesn’t need a combustion engine and so there are two trunks, one in the front and one in the rear, allowing 7 people and a lot of luggage on-board. The much-hyped “falcon-wing” doors are similar to the gull-wing vehicles, but with a bend in the middle which allows them to be opened in tight spaces while offering better access to the rear and third row of seats.

Topics: Electric, Hybrid and Plug in Hybrid Electric Cars

Tesla Model X

Tesla has unveiled the Tesla Model X, the CUV prototype version of the Model S. The Model X can go from 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, features all-wheel drive, is heavier than the Model S and therefore, will offer 10% less range than the S for the same 60 and 85 kWh battery packs. The price will be similar to the S, beginning around $ 50,000 after tax credits, and going up to $ 90,000 with the largest battery packs and other features.

The batteries are housed in a low skateboard, similar to S, which leaves a lot of space. The CUV doesn’t need a combustion engine and so there are two trunks, one in the front and one in the rear, allowing 7 people and a lot of luggage on-board. The much-hyped “falcon-wing” doors are similar to the gull-wing vehicles, but with a bend in the middle which allows them to be opened in tight spaces while offering better access to the rear and third row of seats.

Topics: Electric, Hybrid and Plug in Hybrid Electric Cars

Chevy 2012 Super Bowl Commercial

The all-new Chevy Sonic is up for adventure. Watch Sonics first time skydiving, bungee jumping, kick flipping, and performing with OK GO. 100% real stunts.

Topics: Electric, Hybrid and Plug in Hybrid Electric Cars

Nissan LEAF™: Polar Bear

Seeing its arctic home melting away, a lone polar bear sets out on a great journey to thank someone who is trying to help.

A thankful polar bear features in this commercial, which advertises the all-electric Nissan Leaf, and is aimed directly at the environmentally responsible crowd. While it didn’t address range anxiety, the No. 1 fear of potential customers, it did tug on the do-gooder heart strings.

Topics: Electric, Hybrid and Plug in Hybrid Electric Cars

Chevy Volt: Super Bowl Commercial

2012 Chevy Super Bowl Commercials: From the coolest car on the block to the smartest technology in the galaxy. A man walks in on a curious group of intergalactic creatures checking out the advanced technology of his Chevrolet Volt.

Topics: Electric, Hybrid and Plug in Hybrid Electric Cars

Infiniti M35h: World's "fastest" hybrid

Usually, we equate that term with top speed, as fast connotes velocity. When acceleration is being contested, we generally ask which machine is quickest. And, if its quickness youre after, Infiniti wants you to know that its M35h will out-accelerate its competitor- Porsche Panamera S Hybrid from Germany. How quick is it? According to the press release, the M35h is faster than the hybrid Panamera from 0-100 (11.54 seconds) and in the quarter mile (13.41 seconds).

As for the rest of the relevant statistics, the EPA estimates that the M35h will manage 27 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on the highway, for a combined rating of 29. The Porsche Panamera S Hybrid is rated at 22 city, 30 highway and 25 combined. Seems the M hybrid takes both the acceleration and economy awards.

Topics: Electric, Hybrid and Plug in Hybrid Electric Cars

Tiny electric car folds up into itself for easy parking

Say hello to the Hiriko, the real-life result of the MIT CityCar prototype launched recently in Spain. Not only is the electric two-seater a mere 100 inches long (about the size of a Smart), it actually folds up into itself so that when parked, it is only 60 inches long. Since that is the width of a typical car, three of these tiny urban EVs could conceivably fit into a parking spot.

The car’s robotic wheels have the ability to tilt, such that the car can spin around its own center. Once parked, the driver and passenger exit the vehicle through the front of the car - via a retractable windshield that lifts up, similar to a garage door.

Hiriko means “urban car” in Basque - a fitting name considering its only goes as fast as city speed limits and gets a range of 75 miles per charge. The low maximum speed is probably a good thing: considering how close passengers are to the windshield, it’s unlikely to provide significant protection in the event of a high-speed crash.

The Hiriko, conceived by the MIT Media Lab and developed by seven Basque design firms, integrates electric motors, steering, and brakes in the wheels, while systems are managed digitally through a drive-by-wire system. The Hiriko will also be sold for around $16,350, according to reports.

Topics: Electric, Hybrid and Plug in Hybrid Electric Cars

Japan's Crazy Car Project- Classic Toyota 2000GT turned into solar-powered EV

Built at a time when Japan Inc. wasnt exactly known for beautiful automobile designs, the 2000GT may have been influenced by European cars of its day, but it has stood the test of time as one of the countrys all-time design greats. The low-volume coupe is a piece of automotive legend, which is exactly why choosing to use a 2000GT as a platform for an electric conversion strikes us equal parts blasphemous and awesome. But thats exactly what Japans Crazy Car Project has done.

The engineers behind the exercise ditched the standard 2.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine in favor of a 161-horsepower electric motor. A 35-kWh lithium-ion battery provides the system with power, and the hood has been covered with PV cells to help keep the car going. Likewise, the back glass is covered in a transparent solar panel. All told, the system can propel the vehicle to around 124 mph.

Inside, the 2000GT SEV features a modernized interior with plenty of tech-laden gadgets. The vehicle was built in cooperation with Toyota and debuted at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon.

Topics: Electric, Hybrid and Plug in Hybrid Electric Cars

Trailer: Who Killed The Electric Car?

Who Killed the Electric Car? is a 2006 documentary film that explores the creation, limited commercialization, and subsequent destruction of the battery electric vehicle in the United States, specifically the General Motors EV1 of the mid 1990s. The film explores the roles of automobile manufacturers, the oil industry, the US government, the Californian government, batteries, hydrogen vehicles, and consumers in limiting the development and adoption of this technology.

Topics: Electric, Hybrid and Plug in Hybrid Electric Cars

Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid Concept

Volvo has previewed its upcoming gasoline-electric XC60 plug-in hybrid with this concept vehicle that debuted at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

The company has fitted a turbocharged gasoline four cylinder good for 280hp up-front, and a 70hp electric motor powering the rear. Combined they produce 350 horses which scuttle the crossover from 0-60MPH in a relatively scant 5.8 seconds. Yet, when not in the mood for outright performance, it can be set to run in Pure electric mode via a button press on the dash, enabling hypermilers everywhere to eke out 35 miles of electric motoring from its 12kWh battery pack. After depleting that, itll take three and a half hours to top up while tethered to 220V, or a seven and a half hours over 110V.

Topics: Electric, Hybrid and Plug in Hybrid Electric Cars