December 3, 2008 by Rob.

One of the most interesting technology items I’ve seen recently in the flood of EV announcements is Michelin’s Active Wheel.  Apparently they’ve been working on this a while and still have years to go.  However, it looks like a viable wheel (not-hub) motor approach.  Their use of active suspension may address the unsprung weight issues of hub motors.

(source: MotorAuthority.com)

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September 23, 2008 by Rob.

It must be Detroit in another galaxy because I’m having trouble believing the news that Chrysler is promising multiple EVs by 2010.  They’ve got a retro-modern EV blister thing, a totally hot Tesla-stomping electric Viper, a EV Mini-van, and an electric Jeep SUV.  Apparently some are pure EV and others are plug-ins.  Hmmm….this is getting interesting.

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September 20, 2008 by Rob.

GM’s making serious headway and commitments around the green flagship, the Chevy Volt.  This is a serious contender that could vault GM into a leadership position.  Unfortunately the news was completely eclipsed by the Wall Street meltdown (see my post: Now I’m really scared…Financial meltdown foreshadows sustainability crisis).  (more images >> Jalopnik)The Volt’s got the right design components to be a winner:

• It’s a series hybrid - really an EV with a generator
• It’s using lithium batteries (from A123)
• The cost is Prius level ($30-40k) - low enough for middle class green freaks.  
• It also has a 30-40 miles 100% electric range which covers 70% of US daily driving.
• Looks are pretty good (according to Jalopnik.com, but not Edmunds) - I think it’s a sexed up Cobalt.
• The gas generator (range extender) is enough to run the car without batteries - helpful insurance for nervous buyers.

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August 9, 2008 by Rob.

I’ve been more active on TribalGrid, but here’s an EV bone for this blog showing that the commerical EVs may be available relatively soon.  I’ve been getting more email from people who want to convert RAV4s to run as an EV.  It’s a great project and I’ll be glad to help - but it’s a project, not a primary transport.

Nissan is racing ahead with their EV plans: “Japan’s third-largest automaker said the front-wheel drive, boxy-shaped car has a newly developed 80 kilowatt motor with advanced lithium-ion batteries installed under the vehicle’s floor to avoid taking up space.”

Posted in Major Car Makers, Electric Vehicles, EV News | 1 Comment »