Leading the way in plug-in sales

The enthusiast group Plug In America noted that U.S. sales of plug-in electric cars (either pure electrics or plug-in hybrids) will pass a significant milestone this month (May 2013). The 100,000 sales mark was reached just two and a half years after their introduction to the market in December 2010. Plug In America is commemorating the “historic” moment with an award contest and by launching a counter on its website that tracks EV sales. The counter is updated using sales data from the most recent published reports.

“Our current estimate, based on monthly sales figures from automakers, is that the 100,000th highway-capable plug-in vehicle will be sold on May 20,” said Tom Saxton, Plug In America’s chief science officer. “We are calling this the #PIA100K mark, and we are excited to see the continued growth of the market.”

The group also cited other side notes of the sales milestone:

• More than a quarter-million people are exposed daily to the benefits of electric transportation.
• Nissan dealerships in some select markets have reported that the Leaf has outsold all other Nissan models for particular sales periods this year.
• Tesla’s Model S is outselling the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (as noted in the Clean Fleet Report story from May 19) and other luxury competitors–the BMW 7 series and the Audi A8–for the first four months of the year.
• Chevy Volt drivers alone have logged over 187 million electric miles.
• The plug-in vehicle market is approaching 48 percent annual growth with both Battery Electric (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles finding growing interest.
• The plug-in vehicle adoption rate exceeds the adoption rate of hybrid vehicles over the same time frame in their early market introduction.
• The domestic EV fleet now offers over 2,000 megawatts of battery storage, which may offer significant opportunities for the future management of our electrical grid and the increasing role of intermittent renewable energy sources
• Manufacturers making EVs now include Nissan, Tesla, GM, Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, and Fiat (see CFR article, The Top 10 Electric Vehicles You can Buy-Finally). These plug-in cars have received a wealth of consumer and industry awards.

Plug In America board member Barry Woods offered his take on the 100,000th sale in a recent Plug In America blog post. Here are some of his thoughts:

Ford Fusion plug-in enters growing market

“Even as recently as six months ago, when I would go into auto dealerships to sell (electric vehicle) chargers, they would listen politely and tell me they had sold very few Volts or Leafs and their customers weren’t interested in charging stations.

“Now when I go into auto dealers, they invite me back to speak to their sales staff and discuss charging as an issue and what their customers will need to make better use of the car’s range capabilities.  Anecdotally, in March in Portland’s metro area, Nissan dealers collectively sold more 2013 Leafs than any other model- including the Altima- over 65 units between the four major dealerships. Tesla’s stock is up over 50% since the beginning of the year.  24,551 PEV shave been sold this year through April, practically matching the entire PEV [plug-in vehicle] sales for all of 2011.

“Over 95,000 PEVs have now been sold. We were correct about the prospects for growth of PEV technology, as their sales progress outpacing the growth of the hybrid vehicle over its first three years.  We were correct in believing that the American consumer would accept an alternative choice besides gasoline if the technology delivered performance and savings over the long haul.  A virtuous market- and policy-based cycle has developed to bring down prices and spur R&D. We appreciate that these vehicles are not just “green,” they are advanced vehicle technology creating better transportation choices and superior driving experiences.”

The sales are exciting, particularly for the enthusiastic early adopters of this technology. But, to keep the achievement in perspective, after more than a decade on the market hybrid vehicles account for only about 3% of the overall automotive market. Some analysts questioned whether plug-in models would take away sales from the non plug-in hybrid segment, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. While Toyota’s vast array of hybrid vehicles have seen decreased sales, the slack has been picked up by other entrants in the category, including Ford, Kia and General Motors as well as new models from VW and BMW. Additionally, it should be noted that the vast majority of plug-in sales are in California, the state that has mandated automakers to produce zero or near-zero-emission vehicles. Some of the plug-ins are not even available in other states while others are available only as lease vehicles, but not for sale.

Still, the 100,000 sales mark is significant, but it’s only the first step in a long road toward a mass market for plug-in electric cars. Keep in mind that the best-selling vehicle in America, the Ford F-Series pickup, sells that many models in less than two months, not two years. And keep in mind that traditional engines are getting more and more sophisticated and efficient, posing another challenge until purchase prices on electric cars come down. So celebrate, then buckle down for the task is just beginning.

Other related stories you might find interesting:

Battle of the Esses–New S-Class Mercedes vs. Tesla Model S

Top 10 Best-Selling High MPG Cars of 2013 (April)

Top 10 Pure Electric Cars You Can Buy–Finally.

Milestone Mark: 100,000 Plug-in Electric Cars Sold is a post from: Clean Fleet Report

When a company says their aspiration (and it’s not an unrealistic goal given their heritage) is to present the “best automobile in the world” and that model is highlighted by not only traditional gasoline-powered versions, but also a highly efficient diesel, a gas-electric hybrid and a new diesel-electric hybrid, that is significant.

We’re talking about the new 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which has just been previewed to the media in a high-profile event. The car is held to epitomize the luxury brand that is Mercedes. The company wants to hold it up worldwide as the standard other aspirants have to reach toward. In that preview Mercedes made a point of highlighting the environmental achievements of the new model, waxing eloquent about it:

“The S-Class is so efficient that it almost sounds utopian: within ten years Mercedes-Benz, by realizing ’Efficient Technology’, has almost halved fuel consumption in the 150 kW output category to 4.4 liters per 100 kilometers.” To translate from European tech speak, that means it is now going to be offering a 200 horsepower engine that gets 54.5 mpg. That engine will be the diesel-electric hybrid featured in the new S300 BlueTEC Hybrid. That model will join a variety of powertrain choices ranging from traditional (though very sophisticated and efficient) gasoline V-8s and V-12s, a clean diesel V-6, a V-6 gas hybrid and a some even more high-performance gas engines under the AMG banner.

Another S Is Heard From

Tesla Model S Takes  A Single-Minded Path

But at least one non-traditional luxury aspirant may have already beat Mercedes to the punch by presenting one  focused model that is a pure electric–the Tesla Model S. It now may make the German automaker play catch up since in the first third of the year in the U.S. market, Tesla’s S outsold the older model Mercedes S.

While Mercedes offers a choice of powertrains in its sixth generation of its flagship car. (One more than its current lineup of gas, gas-electric hybrid and diesels, but the gas models are the overwhelming choice of purchasers–with only about 4% taking the alternative route so far this year.) With Tesla, your choice is just of the size of the battery pack (most of its early purchasers are opting for the larger packs, which offer a longer range) and then the usual color and option choices. The sales tally for the first third of the year showed Tesla making a strong statement with 6,850 sold (an estimate since the company doesn’t release monthly sales totals) compared to the S-Class’ 4,180 for all of its different iterations.

Two Types of Deep Dives Into Luxury

Both the Mercedes and Tesla offer a deep dive into luxury, which of course comes at a price. Mercedes models currently start at $92,350 (prices for the 2014 models haven’t been announced). While the Model S technically is available starting at $62,400, Tesla said recently that so few people are ordering that entry-level model that they are not going to build it any more. They added that anyone who ordered that model would actually get the mid-level battery pack model (which retails for $10,000 more), but with software that would limit its range and output. At any rate Tesla has said that the majority of its sales so far have been the high-end models, usually retailing for around $100,000 according to the company’s first quarter 2013 financial statement.

The competition between Mercedes and Tesla becomes more interesting when you realize that Mercedes parent company Daimler AG is an investor and customer (Tesla supplies technology for the Mercedes B-Class EV). But the blending of competition and cooperation is becoming more pronounced as the automobile industry searches for new ways to cut costs and preserve margins as the technology to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions adds expense to vehicles.

So the traditional automaker offers choice to its customers while the upstart bets on one power source–electricity. The early returns for the year show the newcomer charging ahead, but this is a long race and one being fought on a worldwide stage. Both automakers are looking to that international market as key to success during the coming years–Daimer/Mercedes as its models seek more sales in the growing Chinese limo class and Tesla as it expands to overseas deliveries of its Model S. We’ll keep tallying the score as this unfolds.

Other related stories you might find interesting:

The Top 10 Electric Cars You Can Buy–Finally

The Top 10 Best-Selling High-MPG Cars of 2013

VW Plans to Build Highest MPG Car

Battle of the Esses–New S-Class Mercedes vs Tesla Model S is a post from: Clean Fleet Report

Subaru’s latest AWD model ups its MPG

So the scientists announced this last week that the world has hit another milestone with the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere hitting a concentration not seen for millions of years. While many in the environmental community might see this as the point at which personal transportation should be curtailed, starting with SUVs or Crossovers, it is clear the automotive market is not going to make such a quick  shift.

Sport utility vehicles and crossovers (crossovers being sport utility vehicles based on a car rather than truck chassis) are popular even as the general trend toward higher MPG vehicles moves forward.  The reason is simple: they are functional. One trip to Costco is enough to convince many families that a Prius won’t cut it. Regular trips up to the mountains in the winter to ski could similarly motivate a car buyer to look for an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle rather than the front-wheel drive found on most high-mileage hybrids. Cars don’t always cut it.

All of which leaves the environmentally conscious consumer with some tough choices. If your lifestyle points you toward an SUV or crossover, you still want to do what you can to minimize your contribution to further CO₂ in the atmosphere.  There are no electric SUVs, no plug-in hybrids (yet) and only a few hybrid and clean diesel models, so the key is to check out the most fuel efficient models that fit your needs.  Since one of those needs with this class of vehicles usually entails a good amount of distance travel, we’re using the highway fuel economy as the benchmark for our Top 10 list.

While cars, especially smaller ones, appear to be able to top the 40 mpg mark without much difficulty, AWD and 4WD models, with extra hardware and usually a larger size, find 30 mpg on the highway a tough mark. Several of these cars have 2WD models that top 30 mpg, but getting there while motivating all four wheels is a stretch–for now. We expect that will change over the next few years as technology progresses.  The trend has already started as the newest models are the ones crowding the top of this list.

The numbers are based on the federal fuel economy tests, so of course your mileage will vary.

The Top 10 SUVs/Crossovers

1. 33 MPG – BMW X1 xDrive 28i – This is where this segment is moving as it chases higher fuel economy numbers. A small wagon-like vehicle that has a trunk-full of advanced technology and car-like attributes. Among those

BMW’s smallest AWD features the highest MPG

found on the car are an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 16-valve four-cylinder engine that cranks out 240 hp. The X1 is small (it may fall short on a Costco run), but provides the power you’d expect from a BMW along with other luxury features and a starting price above $30,000.

1. 33 MPG – Subaru XV Crosstrek - Another new entry in this category comes from Subaru, which continues to test the market with vehicles that depart from its typical cars. The Crosstrek has a 2-liter version of the traditional (for Subaru) horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine producing 148 horsepower when paired with the CVT automatic.

2. 31 MPG – Mazda CX-5 – Mazda’s new entry is the embodiment of its Skyactiv philosophy that seeks to wring out maximum fuel economy while maintaining good road-handling and a driver-oriented package. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder provides the best fuel economy, but the larger 2.5-liter four is not far behind. Pricing starts around $24,000.

3. 30 MPG – Audi Q5 Hybrid – Another new entry with advanced technology is the Audi’s hybrid. The gas-electric powertrain offers 245 horsepower yet can still deliver 30 mpg on the highway in a midsize SUV. The main drawback is the $50,000 price tag for this heavily optioned model. Also, Audi is due to introduce a diesel Q5 model this year that may offer similar performance and fuel economy at a slightly reduced price.

3. 30 MPG – Buick Encore – Buick’s newest and smallest crossover carries the fuel economy banner for GM (shared with the GMC Terrain). Its 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces only 138 horsepower for the model, which is similar in size to the BMW X1. It is mated to a 6-speed transmission. Pricing is similar to Mazda’s CX-5.

3. 30 MPG – GMC Terrain – GMC’s smallest SUV manages to squeeze out good mileage from its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and presents itself as an entry-level luxury vehicle at the mid-$20,000s.

3. 30 MPG – Honda CR-V – Honda’s compact crossover has been the market leader for some time and it aims to continue the Honda tradition of top fuel economy with its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 185 horsepower mated to a 5-speed transmission. Pricing starts in the low $20,000s.

Just missing the 30 mpg mark are a half-dozen models

The newly redesigned Toyota RAV4, two models of the Mitsubishi Outlander (also a fresh design this year), the brand-new Jeep Cherokee, the Chevy Equinox, Volkswagen Touareg TDI and Subaru Forester. All clock in at 29 mpg highway with four-cylinder engines, except for the VW Touareg, which is a V-6 diesel.

Notable others just below that mark:

Only one mpg less is another tier of vehicles, including a larger ones featuring a variety of advanced gasoline technologies, clean diesels and hybrids. The Porsche Cayenne Diesel, Range Rover Evoque, Ford Escape (two models), Audi Q7 TDI diesel, Lexus TC 450h hybrid, Mercedes ML 350 BlueTEC and Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The Lexus and Toyota hybrids have the unique feature of higher city mpg (30) than highway.

A plug-in version of the Outlander is coming soon (non plug-in shown)

And coming soon:

The onslaught of new models focused on fuel efficiency will continue through this year. Models announced, but not yet introduced include two diesels – the Audi Q5 TDI and Mercedes GLK 250 BlueTEC. The latter model is expected to easily top 30 mpg. One that may trump all the others is the Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid, which is already on the market in Japan. It’s expected to have 20-25 miles of all-electric range and could turn in mpge (mileage factoring in the electric range) well above 50.

Other similar stories you might enjoy:

Top 10 Best-Selling High-MPG Cars of 2013 So Far (April)

All-Wheel Drive Cars and SUVs with Best Mileage

Mitsubishi PX-MiEV Plug-in Hybrid AWD SUV

Top 10 2014/2013 AWD & 4WD SUVs/Crossovers with the best MPG is a post from: Clean Fleet Report

Prius-Still Leader of the Pack

Well, 2013 is one-third gone, so it’s a good time to see what is working in the marketplace in high MPG cars. Rather than just focus on what was selling well last month (hint: it’s the usual suspects: Prius/Fusion/Prius c/Prius v/Camry/C-Max/Jetta), let’s take a look at the models that are leading the way four months into the new year and also look at how they’re doing compared to last year, since that presents some countervailing trends.

The big news is how these high-MPG segments are doing compared to the overall market. We look at four different segments–hybrids, plug-in electrics (hybrids and pure electrics), diesels and natural gas, the latter of which barely registered in the light-duty car market. Hybrids have been around for more than a dozen years and top 3% of the overall market; diesels came online in 2009 and are still under 1% of the passenger car market while plug-in electrics are just finishing a second year on sale, but have already topped 1/2% with a trajectory that appears to be heading up fast.
Compared to last year, hybrid sales for the first four months are up 12.3%, almost double the overall market’s gain. Plug-ins, as mentioned, are on a tear with 130% growth, but on relatively small numbers. Diesels have taken a dip so far this year, dropping 6.2%, but are expected to rebound when high-volume cars like the Chevy Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel, Mazda6 SkyActiv-D, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 hit showrooms later this year. Both the hybrid and plug-in electric segments are also adding models as well.

At the one-third of the year mark the sales patterns of the high-MPG models appear to be settling into place. While a couple models have shifted positions up or down from month-to-month, the overall makeup of the Top 10 is relatively stable–and shows a fairly broad representation of technologies. If the list is expanded to the top 15, which is logical based on the relatively close sales numbers, the diversity of the models is even more pronounced.

Sales breakdown in roughly three clusters. The lonely top “cluster” is the traditional Prius model. Even though sales are down compared to last year, it continues to more than triple the sales of the next competitor. Prius, even with a drop in sales can expect to end up the year around 150,000 units.
The second group include seven vehicles with 10-15,000 sales for the first third of the year. This group includes two Prius variants and the Camry Hybrid. Rounding it out are two Ford hybrids and two VW diesels.

The last group is those with 5-10,000 sales during the first quarter. This group includes the hot Tesla Model S, another pure electric, the Nissan Leaf, t plug-in hybrid Volt and hybrids from Chevy, Toyota, Hyundai, Toyota and Lexus.
Details on sales for the first four months of the year follow. As mentioned, because of the closeness of sales numbers, we’ve expanded this Top 10 to include five additional models.

1. Toyota Prius – 47,413 – Even with declining sales, which could be attributed to the other Prius models (c, V & Plug-in) sapping customers for the classic hatchback, the Prius continues to amaze as its sales remain strong and help keep Toyota as the king of hybrids and the go-to car for MPG. The car can be considered a mainstream vehicle and is on track to hit 150,000 units for the year.

2. Toyota Camry Hybrid – 15,691 – The Camry’s hybrid version, with sales basically flat from a year ago, helps to keep Toyota’s dominant position in hybrid sales. The value for Toyota is this iteration of its perennial best-selling is it extends the volume of the Hybrid Synergy system and gives an MPG image-leader for the Camry.

Ford Fusion Hybrid tops non-Toyota vehicle sales

3. Ford Fusion Hybrid – 13,891 – The flagship of fuel economy at Ford is mounting a challenge to the segment leading Camry and leads Ford’s surge in the high-MPG segment (Ford contends its hybrids and plug-in models have taken about 15% of market share from Toyota). The Dearborn-based auto company is serious about fuel economy, whether its hybrids, plug-ins or its Eco-Boost high-efficiency engines now showing up across the board in models from the Fiesta to the F-150. The Fusion’s new look and features have helped propel it into being a true contender in the tough midsize segment along with the perennials–Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.

4. Toyota Prius c – 13,351 – The “baby” Prius continues to attract entry-level hybrid seekers. This smallest, least expensive hybrid in the Toyota lineup continues to draw more buyers and looks to be on the way to a solid year of sales. Like the Camry Hybrid model, it’s a derivative platform so the hybrid version should just mean incremental sales at relatively low cost.

5. Volkswagen Jetta TDI – 12,762 – The clean diesel standard-bearer rounds out the Top 5, even though its sales, like the Prius are down substantially from last year. Like the Prius, the sales drop could be attributed to a sister model (the Passat TDI) stealing sales that otherwise would have gone to the Jetta. Its sales may be limited by the number of diesel engines Volkswagen can supply to the Mexican plant that builds the Jetta, which could change as the company ramps up production south of the border.

6. Toyota Prius V – 11,897 – The Prius “wagon” has been posting solid sales numbers in the first third of the year and maintains a slim lead over its newer rival, Ford’s C-MAX Hybrid in spite a sales drop from last year.

7. Ford C-Max Hybrid – 11,708 – Ford’s hybrid “wagon,” along with the Prius V, demonstrates that there is a clear demand for more versatility along with good fuel economy. Unlike its Toyota rival, the Ford wagon also has an even higher mileage plug-in version, which adds more sales to the platform.

8. Volkswagen Passat TDI – 10,037 – The Jetta’s “big brother” continues to hold a solid second place spot in the clean diesel market, giving VW the domination in the diesel market similar to Toyota’s with hybrids. In the same way Ford is starting to challenge Toyota in hybrids, VW may see some serious competition when the Chevy Cruze and Mazda6 diesels hit the market late in the year.

9. Tesla Model S – 6,850 – This is a big, if pleasant, surprise. The Tesla Model S is the best-selling pure electric and it’s by far the most expensive model among top-MPG vehicles. Tesla has ramped up production and is still filling pre-orders for the Model S (these numbers are a combination of Tesla’s reported sales for the first quarter plus and estimate for April sales), but appears to be on track for delivery of its projected 20,000 units this year.

10. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – 5,703 – Hyundai’s flagship hybrid model (which shares most of its componentry with its sister car, the Kia Optima Hybrid) has snuck into the Top 10 with consistent sales throughout the first part of the year, even though its numbers are down about 16% from last year. The Hyundai has a lower starting price (compared to the similar-size Camry and Fusion hybrids) than some of its competition, but also doesn’t deliver quite as high MPG.

11. Chevrolet Volt – 5,550 – Volt sales are up slightly this year, but not enough to keep it in the Top 10 for the first third of the year. It looks like the plug-in hybrid will deliver a reasonable sales total for the year, although falling substantially below GM’s original sales projections. The company is already starting to talk up its next generation model.

12. Nissan Leaf – 5,476 – A surge in sales as 2013 models with lower prices started shipping out of the company’s Tennessee plant put the Leaf in the Top 10 for the first time this

Nissan Leaf is looking like it will have a big sales year

year last month and probably portends and upward trend for the pure electric model this year. Nissan clearly sees this as the start of a strong year and is putting marketing dollars behind its halo eco model.

13. Toyota Avalon Hybrid – 5,440 – Toyota’s newest hybrid has garnered a solid portion of sales of the recently remodeled Avalon., adding to Toyota’s hybrid arsenal.

14. Lexus ES Hybrid – 5,276 – Like the Avalon, the Lexus ES’ hybrid model is taking a good share of the buyers being drawn to the redesigned model.

15. Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid – 5,145 – The Malibu Hybrid is a bit of a surprise. It’s take-rate among Malibu buyers is lower than expected by GM and sales of the new model overall have been disappointing, but it is still charting and could help raise GM’s profile as a place to find high-MPG vehicles.

While Toyota dominates hybrids (64% of all hybrid sales in April), it is facing a strong challenge from Ford and other companies (GM and Hyundai/Kia in particular) with new models or market advantages. Volkswagen does the same with diesels (84% of all diesel sales in April), but similarly is going to face new challengers later in the year. The plug-in market is much more divided and looks like it will remain so for some time. Nissan, Tesla, GM, Ford and Toyota carve up most of the total sales with the leader seeming to shift every month. It’s a healthy, growing, high-profile though still small market. New models will be coming into the market during the next few months and promise to keep the energy level high.

We’re one-third of the way through the year and the focus on fuel economy remains strong and growing. With some new models here and even more coming, it promises to be an exciting year for high MPG cars.

Posted May 5, 2013 (compiled with Hybridcars.com & Automotive News information as reported by manufacturers)

Other similar stories you might like:

The Top 10 Electric Cars You Can Buy–Finally
Microhybrids Are Big MPG Boosters,Report Says
Top 10 Best-Selling High-MPG Cars in March 2013

Top 10 Best-Selling High-MPG Cars of 2013 (April) is a post from: Clean Fleet Report

Tesla Model S Sales Hit Mark

For all the twists and turns that the auto industry undergoes, it looks like 2013 will be a clear milestone for electric cars. There are caveats, but we’ll deal with them later. The point here is to look at how far we have come and note the arrival of the electric car industry. It’s no longer a model or two, but a substantial variety of vehicles from major manufacturers from which the EV-conscious consumer can choose. Even with some drop-offs, by this summer we’ll have at least 10 all-electric EVs to choose from; sorry, plug-ins, if you have an internal combustion engine you can’t make this list. This is for the hardcore – consumers who want to divest their transportation of the direct use of fossil fuels.

Some of these models are available in limited numbers or in limited locales (there’s one big caveat), but they are almost all from major manufacturers, backed with warrantees and dealer service. And this group, while small now, is destined to grow exponentially in the coming years as the market builds. For now, 10 EVs represents an achievement. Here’s a run-down what’s on the market now (or very soon) as well as some we’ve lost and some new entries due next year.

1. Tesla Model S – You have to start with this model. Though priced in the stratosphere, it was one of the best selling EVs of the first quarter of 2013 on the strength of solid reviews and pent-up demand. Its sales propelled Tesla into cash-flow positive territory and backs up its goal of selling 20,000 units this year.

2. Nissan Leaf – One could make a good argument that this car should be the first mentioned in any EV list. It was the first mass-produced EV on the market and streams into 2013 with both a lowered starting price as well as new high-end features. The combination appears to be working as sales hit a new high in March 2013, a trend that Nissan hopes to extend throughout the year as its has shifted production of the car and its battery pack to the U.S.

3. Ford Focus EV – Ford’s leading electric-only model is not making a big dent in sales, but it is a clear indication of Ford’s intent to remain active in the plug-in segment, augmenting the better-selling Energi models.

4. Toyota RAV4 EV – Toyota has revived an electric-only RAV4 model (it’s first foray was in the 1997-2003 model when several hundred were produced and sold in California to meet the state’s zero emission vehicle mandate). The compact SUV features a battery pack developed by Tesla, but sales will be limited as the vehicle is being used only to comply with California ZEV mandate, much like the first version.

5. Mitsubishi i (or i-MiEV) – This diminutive EV from Mitsubishi was redesigned for the U.S. market and has garnered some sales, but continues to lag behind the competition.

6. Honda Fit EV – Honda’s entry into the EV market, like Toyota’s, is available in only limited numbers and only for lease, but sales don’t appear to yet be anywhere near the projected number the company is going to build. Reviews of the car indicate it acquits itself well.

7. BMW ActiveE – The ActiveE is BMW’s second round in the EV wars, following on the MINI-E. Although it is only available for lease, the vehicle’s performance in a short drive appeared to meet the BMW brand’s image. It features the powertrain that will be in next year’s i3.

Fiat & Smart offer small, fast EVs

8. Smart Fortwo ED – Mercedes is now on its third generation of the electric version of its two-seat minicar. They’ve jettisoned the Tesla battery pack of the second generation and replaced it with one from SB LiMotive (which also supplies the Fiat 500e and BMW i3) along with a more powerful electric motor. With its increased top speed, it appears the only thing holding this low-priced EV back is its small size and limited seating.

9. Fiat 500e – Just on the market is another small EV from Europe, an electric version of Fiat’s 500 model. Early reviews indicate it carries over the performance and image of the gasoline version of the car.

10. Chevy Spark EV – Due this summer is another small EV, this one from General Motors. Based on the company’s Daewoo-designed model, the Spark EV is going to be assembled in the U.S. Early reviews of the car have described a car that delivers substantial power for its diminutive size.

GM’s Chevy Spark EV will be on the market this summer.

There you have it. Ten models offering a variety of configurations and price ranges, but all powered only by electricity. With a list like this, even with their limited availability, it appears we have passed out of the earliest phase of the EV and are steadily moving toward the category’s establishment as a permanent part of the automotive landscape.
Note that this is the EV-only list; it’s augmented by a growing list of plug-in vehicles, led by the Chevy Volt, that also promote the electrification of the automobile and move away from petroleum as a primary transportation fuel.

More to Come

While this group is impressive, there are more to come. Sometimes new model introduction timetables slip, especially when dealing with advanced technology, but these appear to be heading to market in 2014:
• BMW i3
• Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
• VW e-Golf
Others are likely coming as well if the market begins to pick up momentum.

RIP

Without going back a decade to recall the first generation of modern EVs that came and went quite quickly (and not always with any sadness), it should be noted that several EVs of recent vintage are already gone, a measure of the brutal nature of the consumer automotive marketplace. The previously mentioned MINI-E is out of production as is the Tesla Roadster. The companies producing the Think City and Ford Transit Connect EV have gone into bankruptcy, followed most recently by Coda Automotive of Los Angeles.

Other similar stories you might like

-Best Selling High-MPG Cars of March 2013.
-Nissan’s Ghosn Bets on Electric Cars Winning on Emotion.
-10 Best Green Cars on New List.

The Top 10 Electric Cars You Can Buy–Finally! is a post from: Clean Fleet Report

I am test riding a new Specialized Turbo electric-assist bicycle. Since I live in San Francisco the roads are familiar but the speed is new. For the first time, when I leave bicycle paths and merge into traffic I can maintain the same speed as the cars. The ride feels safer and faster.

Specialized is trying to create a new category of high-end performance urban e-bike. With the touch of a button, I can shift between modes such as Turbo, Eco, and Off, as well as shift thru 8 gears. Much of the ride is in Eco-mode where the 250-watt electric motor assists my pedaling. In Turbo mode, that 342 kWh battery delivers enough power that I can sustain over 25 mph in traffic. In eco-mode I can extend the battery charge.

On flat bicycle paths I can turn off the electric assist and get a good workout. Because the aluminum-frame Turbo weighs 50 pounds, it feels like more work when pedaling without the electric motor than when riding my hybrid bicycle.

San Francisco hills that normally are a challenge to climb in my easiest gears, standing up, are now easily conquered in this e-bike.

Other bicycle riders are stunned by how easily we zip pass them. At first glance, the Specialized Turbo looks like a performance hybrid bicycle. The lithium-ion battery pack is integrated into an oversized down tube. The powerful 250-watt electric motor integrates into the rear wheel hub. The 700mm x45mm tires easily handle going over bumps and curves.

Navigant Research forecasts that annual sales of e-bicycles will grow from 31 million in 2013 to nearly 38 million in 2020. Over 100 million e-bicycles are now in use, with over 90 percent of those in China. Navigant summarizes its research:

…the e-bicycle market is in a state of change.  Western Europe’s market is growing increasingly crowded with competitors and now accounts for more than 20% of global e-bicycle revenue annually.  Meanwhile, North American players are finding new, younger e-bicycle consumers among those who ride for transportation rather than entertainment.  Even the massive 28 million unit Chinese market is in a state of change as the government considers changes to the rules governing the market and consumers begin to recognize the value of lithium ion over lead-acid batteries.

At $5,900 for the Turbo, Specialized is reaching for the high-end of the market. Performance enthusiasts are buying the Turbo in Germany and other European countries. Now the same enthusiast are likely to buy this ultra–performance bike in the USA. With record numbers of Americans now living in cities, e-bikes have significant potential for daily commuters. In San Francisco, 6 percent of city commutes are on bicycle and the city has a goal of 20 percent by 2020. Killer hills make that 20 percent a challenge. Yes, some will spend $6000 on a high-end e-bike instead of buying a car. Many of these will get to work faster and avoid thousands in car parking annual fees. Another potential market is university students who find car mobility limited and expensive on campus.

As I loop through the massive Presidio park I notice that people are smiling at me as I pedal past them. I notice that smile frequently as I ride. This Turbo is a thrill.

In 12 miles, I used 48 percent of the battery capacity, a perfectly adequate range for a daily commuter. The battery can be fully recharged from empty in 2.5 hours with a 4-amp charger, or in 5 hours with a 2-amp travel charger, which would be handy, to take on longer rides with work or lunch stops. A commuter rack is optional for those using panniers or carrying extra stuff. The battery pack can be unlocked and carried inside to make charging convenient with any 110-volt outlet.

In my garage at home, my $1000 Specialized Sirrus hybrid bicycle now stands next to my Nissan Leaf electric car. I am tempted to spend $6,000 on a new Turbo e-bike and spend less time driving the car.

Since I am not a daily commuter, the $6,000 seems a bit extravagant. If I buy the bike then it is only fair that my wife moves ahead with her $6,000 redecorating project, so I face a $12,000 decision. Although I cannot cost justify the purchase in cents per mile, perhaps I can in smiles per gallon.

Riding the Specialized Turbo Electric-Assist Bicycle is a post from: Clean Fleet Report

2. Toyota Camry Hybrid – 4,461 – The Camry’s hybrid version, along with the Prius triplets, help cement Toyota’s standing as the leader in hybrid sales.

3. Toyota Prius c – 4,026 – The “baby” Prius has a great month, moving up in the ranks. This smallest, least expensive hybrid in the Toyota lineup continues to draw more buyers and looks to be on the way to a solid year of sales.

4. Volkswagen Jetta TDI – 3,653 – The clean diesel standard-bearer holds its own with increased sales this month compared to February. As the VW brand grows and diesel models proliferate there and elsewhere, the Jetta continues to hold its own. Its sales appear to be limited by the number of diesel engines Volkswagen can supply to the Mexican plant that builds the Jetta.

5. Toyota Prius v – 3,460 – The Prius “wagon” had a surge in sales this month and continues to post good numbers, moving ahead of its rival, Ford’s C-MAX Hybrid.

6. Ford Fusion Hybrid – 3,417 – The flagship of fuel economy at Ford continues with solid sales, but couldn’t keep up with the Toyotas and VWs in the ranking. The Dearborn-based auto company is serious about fuel economy, whether its hybrids, plug-ins or its Eco-Boost high-efficiency engines now showing up across the board in models from the Fiesta to the F-150. The Fusion’s new look and features have helped propel it into being a true contender in the tough midsize segment along with the perennials–Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.

7. Ford C-Max Hybrid – 3,275 – Ford’s hybrid “wagon” had increased sales this month, but still was passed by its rival, the Prius V. It remains a big help in Ford’s move to establish itself as the first stop for fuel efficiency. Its plug-in version, along with a similar one in Fusion form, is starting to garner sales.

8. Volkswagen Passat TDI – 3,237 – The Jetta’s “big brother,” the midsize Passat, had another good month, but only managed to hold its spot in the Top 10. With the Jetta and the other TDI models from VW continue to dominate the clean diesel market the same way Toyota does with hybrids.

9. Nissan Leaf – 2,236 – A surge in sales as the new models (with lower prices) coming out of Nissan’s Tennessee plant (instead of being imported from Japan) put the Leaf in the Top 10 for the first time this year. Nissan clearly sees this as the start of a strong year.

Tesla Model S Hits Sales High

10. Tesla Model S – 1,950 – This marks a double first for the year–the first time the Tesla model has appeared in the Top 10 and the first time two electric cars have been there. While it could be read as a turning point in the market, more likely it is the result of the two battery-powered models having great months (keeping in mind the Tesla numbers are only official once a quarter since the company doesn’t release monthly sales figures).

Bubbling just below the Top 10 are a trio of hybrids and the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Toyota Avalon Hybrid and Lexus ES Hybrid all turned in good months while the Volt dropped enough in their sales total to fall out of the Top 10, but still keep on pace for a reasonable sales year.
While Toyota dominates hybrids (68% of all hybrid sales) and Volkswagen does the same with diesels (81% of all diesel sales), the plug-in market is much more interesting. The competition is much more even with Nissan, Tesla, GM, Ford and Toyota carving up total sales with Nissan pulling in twice the sales of Toyota. It appears that every month may become a toss-up as new models gain momentum in the market (like Ford’s Energi models) or new models come in (like the Chevy Spark EV and Fiat 500e). And the plug-in market will only grow during the coming year as several other models will be launched.

High-mileage cars are off to a great start for the year with sales up 18% in these three categories in for the first three months of the year compared to last year. The monthly sales average continues to creep up so it is conceivable that sales could edge closer to a million units if the trend continues, which would definitely solidify the market for alternatives to conventional gasoline engines. The first quarter indicates it could be a very good year for high-MPG cars.

Posted April 14, 2013 (compiled with Hybridcars.com & Automotive News information as reported by manufacturers)

Other similar stories you might like:

Better Fuel Economy Front-and-Center at 2013 NY Auto Show
Ford Expands Energi Lineup of Part-Time Electric Cars
Top 10 Best-Selling High-MPG Cars in February 2013

Top 10 Best-Selling High-MPG Cars in March 2013 is a post from: Clean Fleet Report

Ghosn, CEO of Nissan & Renault, sees EVs in the future

When speaking recently at a “Open Garage” talk at Stanford’s Automotive Innovation Center, Ghosn pointed with pride that his Alliance has put 70,000 EVs on the road around the world (of the roughly 100,000 pure battery electrics currently out there). He said that in spite of failing to hit his own targets for volume, he believes electric vehicle technology will be the winner as it approaches scale production – and he believes that is inevitable. The secret ingredient, he said, was emotion. “Car emotion is the key to the future,” he emphasized. At present he is “not happy” with sales as the cars have hit “a lot of headwinds,” but he optimistically noted that Nissan can ramp up quickly if demand rises.
But putting emotion into a car many still see as an expensive, not-too-practical mobility appliance will have more challenges because the automobile does not exist in a vacuum. The changes that our society faces will mean the cars of the near future will have to address several issues while trying to establish an emotional connection with car buyers.

Safety

The first is safety. As Ghosn explained it, industry expects to see 100 million new cars on the road annually by 2020 as the world economy grows. “Is the present system sustainable,” he asked rhetorically. “We know it’s not.”
He noted there are currently six million car crashes a year in the U.S. alone and auto accidents are the leading cause of death for individuals from age 4 to 34. Ghosn added that 96% of those crashes were due to human error. “We have the technology to avoid most crashes,” he asserted. The trick for automakers is to add safety equipment without adding too much weight or cost to the vehicle.

Oil Dependence

CEO of Nissan-Renault believes EV future is bright

Ghosn cited oil dependence as the second challenge for the coming decade. While EVs are a sliver of new car sales right now, he is adamant that the “only thing missing is scale.” To reach that scale, Ghosn believes government intervention is necessary. Given Japan, China, Europe and the U.S.’s reliance on imported oil, Ghosn said he thought it was in their best interest to incentivize EV consumers and invest in an infrastructure for all kinds of efficient electric vehicles – fuel cells, plug-in hybrids and EVs. He predicted more development would bring more non-gas vehicles to market soon.

Autonomous Driving

Finally, Ghosn cited autonomous driving as a key near-future trend. Cars will need to function with less input from the driver, he said. Too much unproductive time is spent in a car and growth of life expectancy is extending the potential driving ages for people. Autonomous cars could provide personal transportation for people who can no longer drive. Ghosn summed up this challenge for the auto industry as one in which they must create safer, more connected, more efficient cars, which leads them to autonomous vehicles. The safety challenge and goal of reducing petroleum use can be enhanced with autonomous technology, he noted, much of which will be coming out of the Silicon Valley area where he was speaking (and where Nissan has recently expanded it presence). The major challenge for automakers, he said, is choosing what technology will go in a car. “We have to be selective,” he concluded.

Nissan Leaf is practical & affordable, according to Ghosn

He closed with a passionate appeal for the car (which will increasingly be moving to become an EV) to become “a very special object. We must avoid the car appearing like a commodity,” he said. “We need to add emotion.” He then put out a challenge to what he called Generation Now, which included many of the students in the audience. “We’re counting on [you] to imagine the future” of the automobile.

Check Out These Related Articles:

Is the market for electric vehicles slipping in 2013?
Good and green reasons to consider an electric car this year
Nissan Leaf’s $6,000 price reduction

Nissan’s Ghosn Bets On EVs Winning With Emotion is a post from: Clean Fleet Report

Audi’s A3 e-tron Plug-in Hybrid

You need look no further than the 2013 New York International Auto Show media preview this last week to see that automakers are aggressively laying out multiple paths to get to the fuel economy goals of the U.S., Europe and Japan. Electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, hybrids, diesels and advanced gasoline engines (as well as other technologies) point to a diverse future and potentially even some confusion for car buyers looking to choose high-mileage replacements for their current vehicles.

The good news is high-mileage vehicles are coming in a variety of configurations, offering buyers choices that vary from the expected subcompact sedans to larger sedans, crossovers and fully off-road capable SUVs. Maybe the best way to attack the variety of news is to look at highlights alphabetically by manufacturer.

Audi

Audi showed off its A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid and told us that it would be coming to America at some point in the new future. It will likely feature a 1.4-liter TSI 4-cylinder engine mated to a 75 kW electric motor when it arrives, producing 204 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, a prodigious performance package for the small subcompact. Until the plug-in arrives, Audi offers the redesigned 2015 A3 that will arrive in early 2014 with either a 1.8-liter TFSI gas, 2.0-liter gas, 2.0-liter TDI diesel or, in S3 trim, a high-output 2.0-liter TSFI gas engine. In European trim the gas engines can hit 40 mpg and the diesel deliver above 60 mpg on the highway. Even if the U.S. numbers are less than the usually generous European ones, it looks like the 2015 models will offer a good boost beyond the current 42 (for the TDI) and 28 mpg (for the 2.0-liter TFSI) highway numbers.

BMW

BMW rolled out its latest diesel version of its top-volume 3-Series, the 328d. It features a four-cylinder turbocharged engine that’s smaller than the last generation 335d’s six, but still powerful enough to fit in the BMW performance pantheon. BMW officials said they expect 45 mpg on the highway from the engine, which takes it almost into Prius territory.

Also on the stand in New York was the company’s Active Tourer concept car, which showcases the powertrain what will be in the company’s first plug-in car, the i8, which is set to debut next year. It features a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack so it will produce an estimated 190 horsepower while delivering up to 95 mpg.

Infiniti

The luxury division of Nissan introduced its third hybrid, the 2014 QX60 Hybrid, the sister SUV to the Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid also shown in New York. It features a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT (continuously variable transmission) along with a 15 kW electric motor in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive models. Combined horsepower for the two-motor system is 250, delivering an expected 26 mpg combined for either model and a range of more than 500 miles.

The QX60 Hybrid, which replaces the old JX35 model in Infiniti’s new numbering system, will cost about $3,000 more than the non-hybrid version. Its fuel economy is 24% better, according to Infiniti. The company claims its fuel economy will be the best for a seven-passenger luxury crossover/SUV. It also added that placing the lithium-ion batteries under the third-row seats means no sacrifice of interior space to accommodate the hybrid technology.

Jeep’s new, more fuel efficient Cherokee

Jeep

Chrysler re-introduced the mid-size Jeep Cherokee name for the Liberty replacement, which it claims will get 31 mpg on the highway from its standard 2.4-liter MultiAir2 TigerShark 4-cylinder engine, which is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The new powertrain improves fuel economy by 45% compared to the older model. The SUV also has an optional V-6 engine that provides 271 horsepower and additional towing capability while delivering an estimated 29 highway mpg.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes showed off an all-electric B-Class and announced it would be on sale in the U.S. by the end of this year. The five-door wagon-like subcompact model, which Mercedes also used as a base for its fuel cell electric cars, will have a 177-horsepower electric motor that will accelerate it from zero-to-60 mph in 10 seconds. In European testing it claims a range of 200 kilometers (124 miles).

Mercedes also introduced the latest generation (gen 3 for those keeping track) of the all-electric Smart Fortwo ED. The two-passenger minicar uses lithium-ion batteries and a 75-horsepower motor and a range of 145 kilometers (90 miles).

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi debuted its new Mirage minicar at the show. The car will feature a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gas engine designed to deliver a combined fuel economy of 40 mpg (37 city/44 highway). It will have a CVT and is expected to be priced in the low $10,000s. Mitsubishi also showed off its upcoming plug-in hybrid Outlander SUV.

Nissan

Like Infiniti (above), Nissan introduced a crossover/SUV hybrid that will take on the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and maybe the VW Touareg Hybrid. The specs for the Pathfinder are identical to the QX60–it will have a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and 15 kW electric motor turning out a solid 250 horsepower while delivering a combined 26 mpg (25 city; 27 highway). Nissan said it would be priced about $3,000 more than the comparable non-hybrid V-6 Pathfinder. One of the most significant parts of the package is that the lithium-ion batteries for the energy storage reside under the rear seat of the seven-passenger vehicle. and don’t intrude on people or luggage space.

Subaru

Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

Subaru moves into the hybrid age with the announcement in New York that they will bring  hybrid model to the U.S. in XV Crosstrek Hybrid. It will feature a combined 31 mpg from its 2.0-liter boxer engine, 13.4-horsepower electric motor, CVT transmission and nickel metal hydride battery pack, about a 3 mpg improvement from the standard Crosstrek. It will go on sale in the fall of this year. Subaru claims it will be the most fuel-efficient compact crossover on the market.

Toyota

Toyota introduced the next generation (2014) Highlander Hybrid crossover in New York. The company didn’t release fuel economy numbers, but its 3.5-liter V-6 and CVT powers a larger, eight-passenger vehicle now, so it is unlikely to boost fuel economy much beyond the current edition’s 28 mpg (a figure delivered across the board in city and highway driving). The new Highlander will hit showrooms in early 2014.

Volkswagen

VW introduced its seventh generation Golf that will arrive here next year as a 2015 model; it also collected a World Car of the Year award. The restyling is mild, but the focus on fuel economy is not. Even though this version of the Golf is bigger than its predecessor, it weighs less. Like its Audi cousins, the new Golf will be powered by three new engine choices, two gas and one diesel, the latter of which will boost its highway fuel economy into the mid-40s while maintaining or improving its power.

Summary

The New York Auto Show saw a substantial number of high-mileage introductions as well as re-introductions of key high-mileage vehicles. Of course, there were also plenty of high-horsepower, adrenaline-soaked models as well. But the course is clear; automakers are moving steadily to incorporate better fuel economy across their product lines, expanding beyond entry-level models to mainstream sedans, people-haulers and even full-size pickups and work vehicles. It’s a trend that is only going to accelerate as we move further into this decade. The end result will be some great choices for consumers, who will no longer have to sacrifice functionality for fuel economy.

Other similar Clean Fleet Report stories on the subject:

Microhybrids are big mileage boosters

Top 10 best-selling high-mpg cars for February 2013

All-wheel-drive cars and SUVs with best mileage

Better Fuel Economy Front-and-Center at 2013 NY Auto Show is a post from: Clean Fleet Report

Ford has a plug-in version of its best-selling Fusion sedan

• Focus Electric (full electric)
• C-MAX Energi (plug-in hybrid)
• C-MAX Hybrid
• Fusion Hybrid

In addition to its electrified vehicle push, Ford is deploying gasoline direct injection (which is markets as EcoBoost), which allows downsized fuel-efficient engines that deliver the same power as larger ones. For its trucks Ford is using clean diesels to deliver better fuel economy, along with a variety of other gas-saving technology throughout its lineup of cars and trucks. All told, Ford is making a strong move to get its products to the front of the line when consumers are thinking about fuel economy.

Ford’s Manager of Hybrid Control Systems, Tom Gee, said Ford has five goals with its electrified vehicles:

• Be affordable
• Save money over time (offset any price premium)
• Be sustainable
• Have a self-image that makes a visible statement
• Be a better choice (than the competition)

Ford makes a point that it is not new to the electrified vehicle game and uses the Fusion Hybrid as its proof point. The 2013 model is its second generation, offering better fuel economy (47 mpg) than the first generation while retailing for $1,600 less. The Fusion Hybrid starts at $27,995. Ford claims that with current gas prices, the vehicle’s initial price premium (compared to a similarly regular Fusion) can be paid back with savings at the pump in 3.4 years, significantly better than its main competitor, the Camry Hybrid. Ford says the Camry, which has a starting price for its hybrid model of about $1,000 less than the Fusion, takes longer to pay back its premium cost.

But Ford’s ace is the Energi model, a plug-in hybrid that delivers around 100 mpge (miles per gallon equivalent since it can run in EV-only mode for up to 21 miles). Camry doesn’t have a comparable model although Toyota does offer a plug-in version of the Prius. Honda just introduced a plug-in version of its Accord, which is a direct competitor in the midsize segment, which Clean Fleet Report tested a short while ago. The Fusion Energi slots between the two in price, though it’s closer to the Honda (about $1,000 less) while offering better fuel economy that either and a significantly larger interior than the Prius. The Fusion Energi will retail for $38,700 according to Ford while the prius plug-in starts at about $32,000 and the Accord Plug-in is $39,780.

the Energi benefits from some of Ford’s second generation hybrid advances, which deliver a batter pack that is 50% lighter and 25-30% smaller than the first generation models. Ford made it clear that these advanced battery packs (assembled by Ford from Sanyo cells) are not only delivering better efficiency, but also are helping Ford to lower the costs of its electrified vehicles.

Along with its EV technology, the Fusion Energi also offers a suite of connectivity options and a broad list of technology that can be added to the basic vehicle. The MyFord Mobile technology is designed to give the Energi driver a broad range of information about the state of the battery as well as a wealth of data about the vehicle’s performance. Much of the same information is on display in the dash of the Energi as Ford and other auto companies attempt to give drivers of these new technology vehicles as much feedback as possible. As has been the case since the Prius introduced a dashboard competition of building bars that signified environmental achievement, the tools for measuring the various attributes of the car are becoming more and more numerous. After our brief test drives, we were able to get a readout of total miles driven, extra miles contributed by regenerative braking and cumulative miles per gallon. The braking instant readout in particular has the capability of quickly teaching a driver the technique that will derive maximum energy from stopping the vehicle. The information – and distraction – potential is high, but like many modern devices, the learning curve could be steep to truly pull out all of the available data.

Additional information available through the MyFord system, as explained by Bill Frykman, Connected Services Product and Business Development Manager, could be displayed or relayed to a smartphone, alerting the Energi owner if someone has unplugged their vehicle, charging the battery for a set departure time or having it charge at the best rate time, finding one of 11,500 public charging stations and logging trips and charging episodes. Frykman made note, like most software, the current version of MyFord has been enhanced since it was first introduced with the Focus Electric last year.

Ford Fusion Energi adds plug-in option to lineup

The biggest disappointment with the car, which is where you start to see the trade-offs that often come along with most new technologies, is the trunk. The hefty 7.6 kWh battery dominates the space, leaving a small pass-through shelf to the back seat and room for a couple small bags. If an Energi model is to be pressed into taxi service, as the original Fusion Hybrid was, our recommendation would be to use the C-Max model, even though it, too, loses some of its functionality in order to add the electric capability.

The biggest plus for the Fusion Energi is its ability to deliver a fairly luxurious midsize sedan ride and performance along with the ability to drive up to 21 miles as an electric vehicle and more than 600 in gas-electric mode. Yet another positive for the Ford is all that technology is delivered in a package that is one of the best-looking cars on the road, borrowing more than a few styling cues from the former Ford stable-mate Aston Martin. It may waver on making it on the affordability scale, even after federal and state incentives, but the environmental and fashion statement it makes is very solid.

Ford Expands Energi Lineup of Part-time Electric Cars is a post from: Clean Fleet Report