GM SUV PHEV to compete with Chrysler and Ford?
On August 6, 2009, General Motors announced a new plug-in hybrid Buick crossover vehicle for 2011. Yet less than 2 weeks later, it appeared that the Buick PHEV is dead.
Ford Plans both Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrids
Ford is now taking orders for electric vehicles. By 2011, the Ford Motor Company will start taking orders for the new Ford Focus EV. Beyond 2011, Ford will offer the popular Focus in a variety of affordable options including hybrid-electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery electric-vehicle (EV).
Intelligent Electric Vehicles and Smart Grids
The smart electric vehicle is symbiotic with the smart grid. The new freeway-speed electric vehicles will also be smart electric vehicles (SEV). They will be smart about using energy inside the vehicle so that it can go 100 miles between charges. The SEV will be smart about navigation options that consider your preferences. The smart gird will be used to encourage cost-effective off-peak charging.
Electric Vehicle Charging Passes Inspection
Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV) and Battery Electric Vehicles (EV) are destined for success. Thousands of key players have converged at the Plug-in 2009 Conference in Long Beach, California. In the opening workshop they talked about giving the customer a pleasant, easy-to-use, no hassle, safe and cost effective experience. President Obama has challenged the industry to sell or lease 1,000,000 PHEV & EV by 2015.
$2.4 Billion Accelerates 48 EV and Charging Projects
President Obama announced 48 new advanced battery and electric drive projects that will receive $2.4 billion in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These projects, selected through a highly competitive process by the Department of Energy, will accelerate the development of U.S. manufacturing capacity for batteries and electric drive components as well as the deployment of electric drive vehicles, helping to establish American leadership in creating the next generation of advanced vehicles.
Car-sharing grows and Plugs-in
Car-sharing services are turning toward alternative-fuel vehicles as the technology improves and customers clamor to drive them.In San Luis Obispo, Calif., a service gets underway offering hourly rentals of electric, biodiesel, natural gas and ethanol-powered cars. In August, Baltimoreans will be able to rent a four-passenger electric car that can go 120 miles between battery charges.
2010 Nissan LEAF EV on a Freeway Near You
Nissan will be the first to have thousands of affordable freeway speed electric vehicles on the highways. The new 2010 Nissan LEAF is a comfortable compact hatchback EV. The Nissan LEAF will build on Nissan’s hybrid-electric success with the Altima Hybrid, which is in currently in the #6 position for U.S. cars with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions.