Why Electric cars should die?

Why we are asking this now?

The world is becoming really conscious when it comes to saving the earth from further deterioration. ‘Go Green’ is the new age mantra. Products are being designed that are eco friendly and have been recycled. To save the planet earth even fuel used while driving is being replaced by electric engines that claim to power the vehicle like never before and that too sans any pollution.

Shunning all such beliefs is a team at institution’s magazine. A battery operated car that uses lithium-ion technology will hardly cover a distance of 100 miles on a single charge. It is found out that batteries not only cost heavily on one’s pocket in terms of replacement but also will spoil in less than two years. E&T professionals feel that the people will be left disappointed as the electric vehicles will never be able to match up with the conventional ones in terms of performance.

Is it really that serious?

Planning to buy an electric car? Be ready to shell more as they come with special batteries and replacing one will mean an additional $10,000 approximately. Moreover before your vehicle hits the road you will have to decide your destination much in advance as the battery will just let you cover a few miles. And if you exceed this limit be prepared to push your vehicle.

1) Lack of power: Conventional gas powered cars any day weigh more on the acceleration and performance scale. They have much more power than the electric vehicles and are swift while climbing.

2) They cause pollution: Here is a piece of news that will shake your senses a bit. Has anyone ever told you that even these so called ‘clean & green’ electric cars pump up the pollution levels? I bet not. The batteries have been made out of elements that are poisonous in nature and can discharge fumes that are not at all clean. Since the engines run on electricity, it is very much obvious that a few sources will definitely be non-renewable sources of energy.

On the other, EVs might be having lowest or rather say zero tail-pipe emissions, but the emissions are produced in the power stations, generating electricity. The fact leads us to a conclusion that an electric car that covers the same distance on single charge would emit more CO2 than diesel vehicles, for it’s heavier and demands more energy

3) Price factor: EVs are costlier than their petrol counterparts, they emit indirectly as the electricity needed to charge the batteries are generated using coal and in gas-fired power plants, emitting massive green house gases. The whole process not only increase the hidden cost but solves no environment issues.

What others are saying?

Well, it’s time for we people to let you know what some of the most reputed sites on the web say about electric cars.

Nytimes

A DECADE from now, owners of electric cars, having driven their share of clean and green miles, may encounter a dashboard light flashing an unwelcome message: Check Battery.

Dailymail

Electric cars won’t save the planet (they use too much power)

Economictimes

The hope that battery-operated cars can save the earth’s climate by reducing carbon emission is just a “fantasy”.

The developments

If you think that electric cars are a new kid on the block then let me tell you their existence dates back to the 1800’s. The first electric car designed by a Scottish inventor Robert Anderson is known to have made an appearance in 1832-1839. It was wedged with primary cells that were non-rechargeable. This lead to further developments as time passed.

1835: A small locomotive was designed by Thomas Davenport from America. He has been recognized as the first person to have built a realistic electric vehicle.

1891: After a gap of a few decades William Morrison of Des Moines, Iowa crafted an electric vehicle that was a success in true sense. A lot of developments took place till the year 1980 in terms of electric modes of transportation.

1990: Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate is passed by California in this year. According to this by 1998 at least two percent of the states vehicles should have no emission and by 2003 a minimum of 10 percent.

1997: The first marketed and commercially mass-produced car named Prius is unwrapped by Toyota in Japan. In the very first production year a good 18,000 units were sold. Such eco-friendly cars were sold in large numbers during the previous decade.

Late 2009: A lot of electric and plug-in hybrids have hit the roads. Models like Chevrolet Volt, Mitsubishi i MiEV and Nissan LEAF will be seen on the roads soon. The first commercially produced and marketed car has failed to come up with a fully electric version.

The main hurdles

Electric cars have existed from quite some years and we see no stopping or stepping back. Brands that make an effort to produce electric versions are applauded and awarded, which encourages others to come up with a product based on same lines. State authorities are backing up such plans, so they are hitting the markets at a fast pace.

What can be done?

The electric driven vehicles can cover only a specific distance on a single charge after which it will leave you stranded. A lot of toxic materials and heavy metals are used during its manufacturing. This further will prove to be very dangerous when it comes to disposing the items made from such harmful metals and materials. Their lightweight can prove to be hazardous in case of an accident. No one knows that the tag ‘pollution free’ will hold true only and only if the source from where electricity is derived has the same tag.

Massive Electric Car Roundup

Opel Ampera

Unless you’ve been living in a cave on the Moon with your eyes shut and hands over your ears, you know that electric vehicles are the future. Not a week goes by where there isn’t some announcement about the car that will break the ties of petroleum oppression. For you, dear readers, I have assembled a list of some of the more notable entrants into the EV market with the pros and cons of each. From econoboxes to SUVs, grocery getters to exotics. Enjoy.

Mini E

The Mini E is for people that stay close to home and shop one grocery bag at a time. It looks like any other Cooper and handles as well too. Power comes from 5088 lithium-ion battery cells and the range is up to 100 miles (if you’re lucky). Non-Cooperists will hate the lack of back seat and storage in an already small car. 450 Mini E’s will be piloted for the ludicrous price of $850 per month.

Pros: Responsive steering, all the amenities of a standard Mini
Cons: No range extender, storage capacity is more micro than mini
Status: Currently a pilot project, production in 2013
Verdict: Needs a smaller battery pack and range extender

Dodge Circuit EV

Looking to compete with Tesla, Dodge has also gone the Lotus route and electrified the Europa. Zero to sixty is under five seconds and the total range is a respectable 150 miles. Storage is nil, but at $85,000 this is no one’s only car. As the same powertrain is spread across multiple variants, expect to see a price drop within a few short years.

Pros: Excellent acceleration, Lotus handling
Cons: 600 lb battery throws it off balance
Status: Prototype testing
Verdict: Buy a Circuit and a hauler for the price of a Tesla roadster

Chevrolet Volt (also Opel Ampera)

Never heard of it. I understand it has an electric range of 40 miles and a 1.4-liter range-extending ICE acting as a generator. Most importantly, it will seat four full-size adults. Trunk space is also retained thanks to the T-shaped battery pack mounted under the rear seats. It should list for $40,000 with a $7,500 tax credit.

Pros: Plenty of tech, plenty of space, reasonable price
Cons: Low range, anemic performance once range extender kicks in
Status: on sale November 2010
Verdict: Has been and will be the benchmark for years to come

Toyota Prius Plug-in

People have been modifying the Prius for years to eke out every last mile, but Toyota will finally produce an all-electric version of the hybrid icon in 2012. First-year output will be between 20,000 and 30,000 cars and price may be around $47,000. They had better fix one thing for sure, and that’s the estimated 12-18 mile range. WHAT!? [Reuters]

Pros: Proven technology, familiar package, solid reliability
Cons: Lack of performance handling, very little “fun factor”
Status: Available in 2012
Verdict: Unless the price and/or performance drastically improve, get in line for a Volt

Silence PT2

In February of 2006, electric motor manufacturer EBW partnered up with bad ass three-wheeler T-Rex to create a fun, fast, and compact electric vehicle priced at $43,000. Range is approximately 125 to 250 miles per charge and the top speed it 125 mph. The price seems a little high for what you’re getting, but think of all the fun you can have in what amounts to an electric motorcycle for two.

Pros: Extremely sporty and fun to drive
Cons: Virtually no storage and a price similar to some EV sedans
Status: Available now, it seems, but the website doesn’t instill confidence
Verdict: Strictly a toy for someone with multiple cars

Fisker Karma

Car designer and coachbuilder Henrik Fisker partnered with Quantum Technologies in 2007 to design and build the Karma. Think of it as the same range-extending technology as a Chevy Volt with twice the horsepower. What makes Fisker special are his production methods. He keeps a small crew of engineers and outsources nearly every aspect of the car to various suppliers. The result is lightning-fast development at a fraction of the cost of larger manufacturers.

Pros: Ridiculously cool styling, high performance, luxurious, great price at $87K
Cons: Feels rushed to market, price seems too good to be true
Status: Production scheduled for the end of 2009, deliveries in Q1 2010
Verdict: If the Karma turns out not to be vaporware, it could blow everything else out of the water

Cadillac Converj

Cadillac’s version of the Chevy Volt in coupe form. Expensive battery packs mean high-priced electric cars, but the luxurious Converj will seem reasonable if GM can keep it under $70K.

Pros: Aggressive styling, magnetic ride control, all the best tech
Cons: Similar performance to the Volt at a higher price, only two doors
Status: Green light
Verdict: Awesome, but there better be a sedan in the works too

Chrysler ENVI Town & Country/Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV

Chrysler is not stopping with just the Circuit EV. The same battery pack can easily be dropped into multiple platforms including the mom-friendly Town & Country and various Jeep products. Expect the same 150-mile limit per charge. I feel they really hit the nail on the head here, developing multiple EV platforms at once. Will Chrysler be the first to offer an all-electric line?

Pros: Same performance in different packages provides more options
Cons: Still no range extender
Status: Prototype
Verdict: This costly gamble just may save Chrysler from irrelevance

Nissan EV

Nissan is currently undergoing testing for their new EV using first-generation Cube mules. The final product will be closer to a Sentra, and hopefully nowhere near the Mixim EV concept pointed out by Geoff. From stage one, Nissan recognized the futility of a $50K electric econobox. The ultimate goal is a price between $25-33,000. Stats are on the high-end of the EV scale too, 100 miles on a 40 minute charge.

Pros: May be the first EV from a major player to break the $30K barrier
Cons: It’ll be a little late to the party, but that’s it
Status: Production beginning in 2011
Verdict: If you can stay off the bandwagon for long enough, the Nissan may be the best value out there

SSC Aero EV

With a 0-60 time of 2.5 seconds, you would think the Shelby Aero EV was burning rocket fuel, not petrol. The answer is neither. The 1,000 hp superEV (TM) is powered by an All-Electric Scalable Powertrain good for up to 200 miles between charges. The recharge time is practically unbelievable at 10 minutes, compared to 3 hours on the Tesla Roadster. Something tells me you can’t have your cake and eat it too with the acceleration and range.

Pros: Incredible range, performance and refueling time, BONUS: the cops will never hear you coming
Cons: Interestingly, the price is probably only for those who have all the oil they want
Status: Production beginning in late 2009
Verdict: If money were no object, it would be perfect

Tesla Roadster

This is the trailblazer. Sure, Tesla didn’t invent the electric car or even put one on the road first, but the Roadster proves than an independent electric car company with a good idea and lots of financing can indeed make a name for themselves. Built on a Lotus Elise platform, the $100K Roadster will exceed 200 miles on a single charge and accelerate from 0 to 60 in under 4 seconds.

Pros: Exhilarating performance, one of few convertible EVs
Cons: Price, availability, lack of dealer network
Status: Available now, sort of
Verdict: A good car, but you’re late to this party. 300 cars delivered and over 1,000 customers waiting

Tesla Model S

Where the Tesla Roadster was sort of a proof-of-concept initiative, the Model S is CEO Elon Musk’s mass market savior. He’ll try and tell you it seats seven and can store a 50-inch TV, mountain bike and a surfboard all at the same time. He’ll say it will go at least 160 miles on a charge and produce 400hp. He’ll boast about the 17-inch touch screen with 3G connectivity inside and the sub $50K price tag. I say let’s slow the hype train a little bit.

Pros: In addition to everything above, it’s designed by Franz von Holzhausen (Solstice/Sky)
Cons: Remember, the first Roadsters were delivered late and with temporary transmissions
Status: Available in 2011
Verdict: For all his talk, what Musk does have that other’s don’t is cars on the road.

Chrysler 200C EV

You didn’t think Chrysler was working on all these EVs only to leave out the sedan, did you? The 200C has a striking new look for Chrysler, and the interior is clearly conceptual. Using the same powertrain as the rest of the line, it can travel up to 40 miles using only battery power and up to 400 miles without refueling. Pricing and availability are unreleased at this time.

Pros: Beautiful style at what will probably be a reasonable price
Cons: None yet, just Chrysler’s viability
Status: Concept (will likely see production soon)
Verdict: If priced properly, this could by Chrysler’s “Volt-like” savior

Chrysler GEM Peapod

Have you ever seen something just too cute for this world? And that meant you had to kill it? Introducing the GEM Peapod by Chrysler. This ultra-compact EV is the first vehicle of its kind for GEM, having normally focused on open-top golf cart-style vehicles. It is available in two-, four- and six-passenger configurations. As Vito noted, the downfall will be the performance. 30 miles per charge and a top speed of 25 mph.

Pros: It may attract cute chicks as would walking a puppy
Cons: It will attract assholes that’ll throw rocks at you
Status: Available now
Verdict: Sure it’s cute like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man but seriously, $20,000?

Raser Technologies HUMMER H3

If you’re a big fan of irony, the Raser H3 EV is for you. Using an E-REV powertrain similar to the Volt, you can curse all the wasteful Prius owners you like. Raser Technologies developed the 200 kW motor and 100 kW generator to stretch as much as 400 miles on one tank of gas. The first 40 miles are all electric, then the generator sips gas to keep you going. For those that average 50 miles per day, the Raser H3 averages 165 mpg.

Pros: Raser was very specific that off-road capabilities not be compromised
Cons: If you actually drive it like a HUMMER, expect those MPGs to drop
Status: Prototype
Verdict: I know the thing works, I just can’t find any info on how the hell to get one

eRUF Model A

The Legendary Porsche tuners at RUF have gone and done the unthinkable by electrifying a Porsche 911. Though the purists will likely cry blasphemy, it’s hard to ignore the cool factor. The battery pack takes a full 10 hours to charge and provides a maximum range of 200 miles. With the equivalent of 204 horsepower, performance is good but not great. The 0-60 is less than 7 seconds and the top speed is 160 mph. But watch out RUF, apparently Porsche is working on their own version.

Pros: Strong performance, classic styling
Cons: Charge time, price over $200,000
Status: Available to order
Verdict: Too expensive considering the technology, it’s not an electric GT2 after all

Volvo Plug-in Diesel Hybrid

I tend to agree with Alex on this one. Throwing some graphics on a Volvo and photoshopping it next to a “charging station” doesn’t say anything. You’ll have to do better to get even resident fangirl Suzanne’s money. Volvo President and CEO Stephen Odell says it all: “In fact, I would go so far as to say that the plug-in electrical hybrid we will launch in 2012 will be a true dream car. With the innovative solution we will offer, the car owner will be able to drive a thoroughly enjoyable car packed with Volvo’s renowned high safety and genuine driving pleasure.” A generic statement about a car that doesnt’ exist if I’ve ever heard one.

Pros: Knowing Volvo, they’ll take the time to get it right and it will be the safest EV on the market
Cons: Platform hasn’t even been decided, though Volvo hints at C30, S40 and V50
Status: The Volvo TBD will be available TBD with a price of $TBD and a range of TBD miles
Verdict: You can trade in your first EV for one

Coda Electric Sedan

Miles Rubin, founder of Miles EV, has created Coda Automotive to build his first full-size electric passenger car. Miles EV specializes in smaller city cars, so production will be outsourced to Chinese firm Hafei Automotive and based on their existing Saibo sedan. It’ll sport average stats of 90 to 120 miles on a charge and a 0 to 60 of about 11 seconds. Price is estimated at $45,000. [

Pros: For those that like to blend in, a completely generic looking EV that no one has ever heard of
Cons: Chinese knockoff of existing technology, what could go wrong?
Status: 2,700 built next year for Californians, full rollout in 2012
Verdict: Proceed with caution

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Mitsubishi has managed to shove their MiEV system into the tiny “i” city car. Of course, Alex points out that it could be just in name only. The battery-only range of 100 miles gets an A+ and the quick 30 minute charge time is excellent as well. What hurts is the $50,000 price tag. So close, Mitsu! The 62 hp it produces won’t shred any tires, but I can see this thing spank the Smart if the price came down a little.

Pros: Better range and charge time than most EVs
Cons: Price, and my lawnmower puts out more horses
Status: Worldwide sale in 2010
Verdict: Great for city dwellers only

Koenigsegg Quant

The Koenigsegg Quant started off as a concept resulting from the collaborative efforts of NLV Solar AG and supercar manufacturer Koenigsegg. The electric-only range is 500 kilometers and the charge time flies by in 20 minutes. The best part is the thin layer of photovoltaic panels which cover the car and help feed the batteries. Since we reported that the Quant might see production (and since I’ve started writing this article), Koenigsegg has released a statement clarifying that the Quant was strictly a concept and never meant for production.

Pros: The most wicked styling and performance of any EV
Cons: What does it cost to touch up a car layered with photovoltaic cells?
Status: Nixed by the ‘Segg
Verdict: I can see it happening someday, and when it does, you still can’t afford it

Exxon-Mobil/Electrovaya Maya 300

The oil companies want to sell me an electric car. Be suspicious. For now this is a joint venture to inform the public on the benefits of EVs, but future production is not out of the question. Baltimore residents may rent the Maya 300 through the Maryland Science Center’s Altcar program.

Pros: 60-120 mile range per charge from standard outlet
Cons: Limited availability, radio may play anti-EV subliminal messages
Status: Sorry, Baltimorians only for now but may be available in 2011
Verdict: If it does hit someday at the target price of $25,000 I could possibly justify buying what looks like an electric Nano

South Park’s “IT”

The “IT” was developed in South Park, Colorado by one Mr. Garrison. Tired of being hassled by the airline companies, Mr. Garrison leveraged his experience as an elementary school teacher and his knowledge of quantum physics to create a unique form of transportation. Its propulsion methods are top secret and known only to lead designer, Mr. Hat. The “IT” uses no fuel, but trust me, it’ll cost you.

NEW Electric Car Dodge Viper

This is George Clooney’s Electric Car Twice The Torque Of A Dodge Viper. you can pack cruise ship levels of torque into something the size of a fat person in a poncho on a Vespa. The Tango T600 is made of carbon fibre, has a 200mph SCCA/NHRA rated roll cage, has twin electric motors that produce over 1,000ft-lbs of torque, it can beat a Tesla Roadster in a 1/4 mile drag race at 120mph and it has a top speed of 130mph.

George Clooney’s Electric Car Twice The Torque Of A Dodge Viper

Now there are some drawbacks, it’s pretty narrow which may be good for lane splitting and aerodynamic efficiency but it’s lousy for cornering. The car is also a little bit on the pricey side at 108,000 clams, although to be fair the company is working on a new, far less expensive model called the T200.

There’s a video below of the Tango T600 beating the Tesla Roadster in a drag race and the Tango clearly wins, it’s hard to mess up a drag race in an electric car as there is no gear shifting, you just hit the gas pedal and clench. The Tango has also resoundingly beaten Shelby Cobras and Corvettes on the 1/4 mile black top. This could be the ultimate sleeper car really, it looks like a Smart Car but it can embarrass a toupee wearing Ferrari driver at the lights. Sounds like a bucket of fun.

New and latest Electric Powered Cars

An electric car is an alternative fuel automobile that uses electric motors and motor controllers for propulsion, in place of more common propulsion methods such as the internal combustion engine (ICE). Electric cars are specifically a variety of electric vehicle created or adapted for use on the road. Electric cars are commonly powered by on-board battery packs, and as such are battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Other on-board energy storage methods that are expected to come into use in the future include ultracapacitors, fuel cells, and a spinning flywheel which stores kinetic energy.

Electric Powered Cars
Electric Cars for sale
New Electric Cars
Electric Cars Tango
Electric Cars New Generation
Electric Cars

Renault will release a series of two electric cars - Twizy ZE and Zoe ZE

On Friday, the company Renault has confirmed its plans for mass production of two electric vehicles, built on the explanation of the concept cars ultra Twizy ZE and a small compartment Zoe ZE, tells the magazine Autocar. Production of the first one in 2011, will be established at the Spanish plant in the city of Valladolid, and the second - in France, a year later.It is expected that the French Renault factory in the town of Flaine become a kind of center for the development programs of the company to produce to the market of compact electric - at this facility will meet the key models of electric vehicles, as well as to production and processing of batteries used in the propulsion machinery. In "Reno" suggest that the model Zoe will have two-thirds of the total European sales of electric vehicles.As previously reported, the concept car Renault Zoe ZE equipped with 95-horsepower electric motor, receiving energy from lithium-ion batteries. These batteries provide a vehicle movement over 160 kilometers, and their charge from household electrical outlet will take from four to eight hours. Compact car Twizy ZE were equipped electric power of 20 horsepower and can travel without recharging about 100 kilometers. Maximum speed of the prototype was 75 kilometers per hour.

We note that on Friday, the alliance Renault-Nissan has also negotiated with the Atomic Energy Commission and the Strategic Investment Fund, the French agreement of intent to establish a joint venture that will investigate, the transfer of industrial production and recycling of batteries for electric vehicles. Renault plans to produce batteries at plants in France, Britain and Portugal.

Formula 1 Style by BEAU REID a Single Seat Electric Supercar

This car is BRD Concept, which is designed by Beau Reid and is a one seat formula 1 style street racer. The designer submit ideas that aren’t revolutionary but when they include descriptions that read like personal vendettas.

Formula 1 Style by BEAU REID a Single Seat Electric Supercar

For the racing enthusiast who wants to have the ultimate driving experience without all the extra room and the annoying girlfriend. You can also call it supercar for everyday driver who loves driving to work place alone.

Formula 1 Style by BEAU REID a Single Seat Electric Supercar

Well, it may not sound impractical but how many of us travel from home to office with more than one person in our vehicle. On the other, as per Beau, the vehicle has a combination of gas and electric engine to create the ultimate power and still get fair gas mileage.

Formula 1 Style by BEAU REID a Single Seat Electric Supercar 

Thanks for the details Beau.

Toyota confirms Plug-in Prius

In 2012 Toyota may offer the most economical fossil-fuelled car in Australia when its 2.6L/100km Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) goes on sale.However, its other distinguishing feature – the ability to travel 20km in pure electric mode – is “probably not the best range for Australia”, Toyota Australia’s senior executive director of sales and marketing, David Buttner, conceded this week.Toyota have received federal regulatory approval to begin field testing of its plug-in Prius hybrid, the company this week announced that the vehicle will be loaned to the Victorian government and four corporate fleets yet to be named.All will be involved in evaluating whether the experimental plug-in hybrid works satisfactorily in a local setting prior to its commercialization in 2012.The Prius PHV is based on the existing third-generation Prius, which was released here in July 2009, but has been modified to accept an electric charge from an external power source.It also uses a 5.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack in place of the existing nickel-metal hydride battery pack (as also used in the local Camry Hybrid built at Altona), which boosts its voltage rating from 201.6 to 345.6 and extends its range in pure electric mode from 2km to 20km.The plug-in Prius employs the same 73kW/142Nm 1.8-litre petrol engine and 60kW/207Nm electric motor as the standard Prius hybrid.Mr Buttner this week conceded the 20km range was perhaps not enough for Australia but was dictated by studies of typical driving distances in Europe, which revealed 80 per cent of car journeys were of less than 25km.However, he said that ‘range anxiety’ (where consumers are concerned that battery range is insufficient to complete a journey) is obviated by the Prius PHV’s on-board petrol engine.“If you forget to plug it in, you will still be able to drive to work, and you will be able to continue to drive beyond the range of the battery pack,” said Mr Buttner.“Unlike electric cars, you will not have to drive with one eye on the road and one eye on the electric power gauge. After using its electric-only range, the PHV reverts to normal petrol-electric hybrid operation, such as that of Prius or Hybrid Camry.”The PHV can be charged using a 15-amp electric outlet (although Toyota says a conventional 10-amp domestic lead will be developed for production), with a recharging time of about 100 minutes on 220V. The lead plugs into a charge point concealed behind a flap on the front left guard.It is 135kg heavier than a conventional Prius and loses 54 litres of cargo capacity to permit storage of the larger battery pack.Maximum speed in pure electric mode is about 100km/h (compared with 70km/h for the regular Prius in electric mode), and if this is exceeded the petrol engine cuts in, as it does under hard acceleration or when the battery pack runs out of charge.Real-world fuel consumption and emissions obviously depend on how much time is spent in electric mode, but the official average figures are 2.6L/100km and 59g/km.This compares favourably with the regular Prius, which emits the lowest amount of CO2 of all new vehicles currently sold in Australia (89g/km) and returns 3.9L/100km – slightly more than the Ford Fiesta Econetic, which is the current Australian fuel economy leader with 3.7L/100km.The Prius PHV global trial consists of 600 cars that are being evaluated in countries including Japan, USA, UK, France, Canada and New Zealand.
The Victorian trial includes charging infrastructure supplied by Better Place, which will also supply software to allow the trial to be adequately monitored, providing real-time information on odometer readings, vehicle locations and battery charge levels.Earlier this month, Toyota Motor Corporation announced that it had sold its two-millionth Prius since the hybrid was first launched in Japan in 1997.
It took more than 10 years for Toyota to reach one million Prius sales, but the second million was racked up in less than two-and-a-half years, reflecting the technology improvements across three generations and broader global acceptance and demand of the green vehicle.
According to Toyota, the total includes almost 940,000 deliveries in North America, more than 825,000 in Japan, 206,000 in Europe and 40,000 in the rest of the world, including more than 16,000 in Australia since the Prius was launched here in October 2001.
The Prius is currently sold in more than 70 countries and last year Toyota achieved a record 400,000 sales. That total has already been eclipsed this year, largely due to strong sales in Japan.
Toyota’s overall sales of hybrid vehicles – thanks largely to the Camry Hybrid – now exceeds 2.8 million.

Siemens Launch 100 car electric vehicles

Siemens are building a fleet of 100 electric vehicles for use and testing by employees. Called 4-S (4-Sustainelectromobility), the pilot project is focusing on the interplay between the electric cars and their infrastructure. Besides testing of the components, the project’s objective is to research and develop new business models.Siemens expects there will be more than one million electric cars on the road worldwide in the foreseeable future, when they will form part of a smart grid.
The pilot project is divided into three stages and will initially be limited to the company locations in Munich and Erlangen. During the first stage, which will kick off in November, 20 vehicles will be given for testing to employees in southern Erlangen and in Munich’s Neuperlach district. The focus will initially be on testing the infrastructure.During the second stage, which is scheduled to commence in spring 2011, 15 electric vehicles will be equipped with a drive system developed by the Siemens Corporate Technology (CT) group and subsequently tested by employees. At the same time, Siemens will set up an in-house electric car-sharing system in Berlin. In the final stage, which is to start in fall 2011, the vehicles will be fitted with drive systems from the Industry Sector.The entire project is being managed by CT. The experience and insights gained by Siemens during this pilot project will be directly incorporated into the development of new components. The project’s aim is to find out how electric cars and the charging infrastructure can be best coordinated with one another. Siemens is also involved in a number of other pilot projects such as Harz.EE-mobility and Drive eCharged.The latter project is taking place in the Munich model region and is run in cooperation with BMW and the Munich municipal utility company SWM. A total of 40 electric MINI E cars have so far been issued to test drivers, who will use the vehicles in the Munich area for ten months. Siemens is providing the infrastructure for the private and public charging stations, and SWM is supplying the green electricity.Another focus of the project is to investigate the possibilities of fast charging with direct current, which would allow electric vehicles to be used for long distances of several hundred kilometers.

Peugeot Peugeot’s new Ion electric car

Peugeot’s new Ion electric car, based on the Mitsubishi i-Miev, will be available on a four-year 40,000 mile lease contract when it goes on sale in the UK towards the end of this year.
Peugeot will charge a monthly payment of £415+VAT, which includes lease of the vehicle and battery pack, full warranty cover for the period of the lease, servicing and full maintenance for four years and 40,000 miles.
Private buyers are a low priority. The Ion is targeted mainly at the public sector plus transport and energy sector organisations, leasing companies and large corporate fleets.

Toyota electric version of the RAV4

Tesla first announced plans in July for an agreement with Toyota to develop an electric version of the RAV4 featuring a Tesla powertrain. Now it's in writing. Tesla filed a form with the Unites States Securities and Exchange commission on Wednesday disclosing its $60 million agreement with Toyota.
Tesla has long discussed plans to build up a powertrain supply business as an additional revenue stream to selling cars. One of the conditions for Tesla to draw some of the DOE loan funds is signing up commercial customers for powertrain components.
Toyota will pay for the work in installments over the course of the agreement, and the schedule and amount of these installments will be finalized within the next two months.