Cambodia Unveils the Angkor EV 2013

February 11, 2013 admin 2 Comments

Cambodia has unveiled a pretty cool looking little EV with scissor doors. But with a top speed of 60 Km/hour (37 mph), it’s no Lamborghini Murciélago. The Angkor EV probably has a little pep accelerating to that top speed, but obviously there is no 0-60 time yet. The manufacturer claims the two-door can travel 300 km or 186 miles between charges, which is really not bad for a cheap little e-car. At a price point of $10,000, it might be a solid economic choice for those that only do urban driving. But I must say, the doors are kind of funny way to pimp this affordable, eco-ride.

Cambodia’s Heng Development Company has branded the EV the Angkor, after the Angkor Wat Hindu temple, and powerful Civilization world wonder if you are into Sid Meier’s strategy games. Below is a peek into Cambodian English news special, where you can see the Angkor EV’s scissor doors in action, while driving, oddly. Does anybody remember “ghost riding the whip?”

Sources:
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/2013010860664/Business/cambodia-launches-electric-car.html

Tesla Model X

On the Tesla Model X

February 9, 2013 admin Leave a comment

It seems like Tesla comes out with a new all-electric model every week these days, with the first Model S vehicles hitting the streets last year, and now the introduction of their new Model X SUV.

The Tesla Model X is built on the Tesla Model S platform, which means the basic drivetrain is the same, with the battery, controller, and motor sitting in the same position. The basic Model X is rear wheel drive like the S, however, you now have the option to upgrade to front and rear wheel drive. Pictured below is the drivetrain for the optional all-wheel drive model.

The second front mounted motor enables all-weather, all-road capabilities, increases torque by 50%, and horsepower bumps from 362 to 410. When outfitted with AWD, the Model X Performance accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds, outperforming the fastest SUVs and many sports cars. The low profile drivetrain also allows for a “frunk,” or a trunk in the front, as well as plenty of passenger and cargo space.

The interior focuses your attention on a giant touchscreen unit in the center console. Critics say it is less responsive than your cutting edge tablet computer, but definitely navigable. It does make you wonder, when is big a little too big. Looks somewhat obnoxious to me.

Tesla claimed last year they would make the base model available for around $30,000 within 5 years, competitive with current not-even-luxury SUVs. This seems hardly believable right now. If you want to be an early adopter, you’ll pay maybe twice that. You can make your reservation on their website for a mere $5k, which shoots up to $40k for the rare Signature Model. The concept however, truly is revolutionary. An SUV with the acceleration of a supercar, the cargo space of a minivan, and hopefully at the price of a BMW X3 or X5 will surely find a market with dual income families with who want to one up the neighbors.

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Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses Coming On Line in Cleveland

January 22, 2013 admin Leave a comment

Hydrogen powered vehicles can convert hydrogen into mechanical energy in two ways, through combusting the fuel to create power at the wheels or converting the hydrogen to electricity through a fuel cell, which sends the power to an electric motor. So while technically, you don’t need to plug in a fuel cell electric vehicle, it is still very much an electric car. I actually had the chance to ride in a fuel cell electric SUV at the Seoul Metropolitan Government last summer. These vehicles show promise as a compliment or substitute for traditional electric drivetrains, since hydrogen fuel can be transported with minimal energy loss, and they allow for quick refueling. However, the technology is still very, very expensive compared to plug-in electric vehicles.

Cleveland has not been known for much since Lebron James left, but in the past year, the city’s Regional Transit Authority has been partnering with NASA Glenn Research Center to develop a hydrogen powered fuel cell bus fleet. This technology provides a great opportunity for Cleveland to showcase their commitment to sustainable, clean transportation. However, right now, each bus costs $2 million dollars, in addition to the hydrogen fueling infrastructure requirements.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Cleveland RTA launches hydrogen buses

Metro Magazine

January 16, 2013

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA), in coordination with NASA Glenn Research Center, launched a hydrogen bus project in Cleveland.

Customers on various routes may now experience a quieter and greener ride, powered by hydrogen, not diesel. This vehicle began carrying customers in January 2013.

RTA is the first transit system in Ohio — and one of the few in the nation — to produce its own hydrogen fuel using electrolysis, a process that separates water into hydrogen and oxygen.

The 40-foot bus has a capacity of 57 passengers and will be in service between six and eight hours daily on various RTA routes. The bus operates with nearly twice the fuel-efficiency as diesel-fueled bus; and is much quieter as well. The joint project between RTA and Glenn supports the development of new technologies and clean and renewable energy sources.

The hydrogen-fueled bus is on loan from United Technologies Corp. (UTC Power) and the electrolyzer is on loan from NASA Glenn. The entire program, which includes the fueling system and bus, is valued at $3 million. RTA Board members approved a $50,000 investment in this project, which pays for the installation and use of fueling equipment.

This goal of this collaboration between RTA and NASA Glenn is demonstrating the safety, fuel-efficiency, economy and reliability of hydrogen production and fueling using electrolysis. The fuel cell bus is powered by hydrogen and does not produce harmful emissions — the only emission is water vapor.

Link:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/news/story/2013/01/cleveland-rta-launches-hydrogen-buses.aspx?ref=Express-Thursday-20130117&utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Enewsletter

Ford

The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid: What’s New, What’s Better, and What Needs Work

January 22, 2013 admin 3 Comments

When one thinks of hybrid vehicles these days, Ford is at the top of the list. When you are a company that is going up against some strong contenders (i.e. Toyota, Honda, etc.), you need to pack the power that it takes to come out on top. Ford dealerships now offer the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid, which does just that.

Unlike other Hybrids on the road these days, Ford has not hesitated to go for style points. With colors like ice storm and ruby red, there is sure to be a stylish exterior to suit even the most colorful personalities. The ergonomic body design creates an aerodynamic shape from the trunk to the hood. See one for yourself at a Ford dealership in NJ.

The fuel efficiency of this Hybrid allows it to cruise at an impressive 62 mpg on the highway on electric alone. The 32 mpg it was able to achieve off the highway might seem a little weak, however it trumps the Camry hybrid which only scored 30 mpg.

The 2013 Fusion comes in 123 lbs. less than the last generation’s Fusion. Ford decided to rebalance the drivetrain’s power and economy equation. The Atkinson-cycle 2.0 L is a new and lighter addition, which creates 141 horsepower, and only drops the horsepower from 191 to 188. Drive one for yourself at a Ford dealership and you’ll see that the decrease in horsepower really doesn’t affect the drivability.

A new trunk-mounted lithium-ion battery pack adorns this hybrid as opposed to the old nickel-metal-hydride pack. The new battery-pack weights considerably less than the last one, and it creates more trunk space.

Overall, the 2013 is a nice progression from previous models. The added perks outweigh the minor setbacks. Also, this car is one of the best looking hybrids on the road today. Visit a Ford dealership in NJ to test-drive a 2013 Ford Fusion for yourself. You won’t regret it.

Lightning GT

Update on the Lightning GT

January 8, 2013 admin 5 Comments

The Lighting GT was Great Britain’s answer to the Tesla Roadster in early development, and now the Model S in 2013. However with the current exchange rate the GT is going to set wealthy patrons back about a quarter of a million dollars or 150,000 British pounds. The electric supercar is hand built in Coventry, with 90% of the parts sourced from Great Britain. Right now, they are building 20 vehicles to the specifications of future owners.

The Lighting GT uses a unique battery technology, Lithium Titanate, with two different storage capacity configurations, 36 or 44 kWh, giving the vehicle a range of 120 or 150 miles. The batteries can be fully charged using a fast-charger in about 2.5 hours. The twin 150 kW electric motors power the back wheels, capable of pushing the supercar from 0-60 MPH in 4.5 seconds.

The body of the GT is made of carbon fiber with a lightweight aluminum honeycomb chassis. Interior and exterior are built to the specifications of the owner. Like anything in life, you can let your imagination run wild, if you have the funds.

Pre-orders are available now.

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by: vPIP

Venturi Volage

Update on the Venturi Volage

December 28, 2012 admin Leave a comment

The Venturi Volage concept is, hopefully, finally coming to fruition. Unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the Volage is a collaborative effort between Venturi Automobiles and Michelin tires. This union of allowed Michelin to trial its truly innovative “Active Wheel” technology, which incorporates 2 electric motors per wheel, one for drive and one for suspension duties.

The Venturi Volage was slated for production in 2012. However, as we edge closer to the new year, there hasn’t been any news. The price is still uncertain, but the Volage will likely be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars due to its unique technology and finite, hand-crafted nature.

Below are some detail and interior pictures of the Venturi Volage from the 2010 North American International Auto Show Pictures. Credit to Gizmag:

Technical specifications
* Type: 2-seater roadster, 4 wheel drive Michelin Active Wheel

* Electric motor
o 4 wheel-motors with max power of 55 kW (220 kW total)
o Max torque: 232 Nm (4 x 58 Nm) from 0-8,500 rpm
o Liquid cooling
* Suspension: Electric shock absorber on each wheel, of the “Michelin Active Wheel” type

* Batteries
o Technology: Polymere Lithium
o Energy: 45kWh
o Weight of batteries: 350 kg
o Liquid cooling
o Life-span of batteries: over 1,500 cycles
o Regeneration system via deceleration
* 80% recharge
o With external recharge booster (10 kW): 4 hours (220 V-16 A T)
o With onboard charger: 8 hours (220 V-16 A mono)

* Chassis
o Central unit: composite materials, carbon sandwich / aluminium honeycomb, pressure-sealed
o Front and rear mesh: aeronautic steel

* Bodywork: Carbon fiber
* Brakes: Discs and specific calipers, incorporated into the Michelin Active Wheels

* Performance
o 0-100 km/h : < 5 s
o Range at 90 km/h: 320 km
o Top speed: 150 km/h

* Dimensions
o Length: 3965 mm
o Width: 1949 mm
o Height: 1235 mm
o Front gauge: 1525 mm
o Rear gauge: 1626 mm
o Wheelbase: 2702 mm
o Front tyres: Michelin 205 40 R18
o Rear tyres : Michelin 235 45 R18
o Total weight: 1,075 kg

On Electric Cars