Zero Motorcycles launches a dual sport electric [w/VIDEO]

Those who’ve savored the sweet supermoto styling of the Zero S street bike and wished there was something similar designed to handle that psycho shortcut you’ve long dreamed of taking, your machine has arrived. Zero Motorcycles has introduce the all-electric Zero DS, with tougher tires and more aggressive suspension, the dual sport is ready to tear up both street and trail and - with that big round headlight up front - look good doing it. While it lacks a bit of the top end (55 mph) and range (50 miles) of its street sibling, it makes up for it with more grunt and greater riding possibilities. It charges its 4 kWh battery in the same sub-four hour time as the S.

The price tag on this latest addition to the Zero range is $9,950, but they are quick to point out that the recently-passed 10% federal tax credit takes $1,000 off the price to start. On top of that, and nicely illustrated here, individual states have their own incentive programs in place or on the way. What’s next for the Scotts Valley California company? Well, they have promised a super speed motorcycle with a full fairing sometime this year but we’ll worry about that after we get our grubby little hands on this monster. Hit the jump for the official press release along with a video showing how the new DS gets things done.

[Source: Zero Motorcycles]

Continue reading Zero Motorcycles launches a dual sport electric [w/VIDEO]

Zero Motorcycles launches a dual sport electric [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, SUV

Shelby SuperCars, creators of the Utimate Aero (above), infamously announced last Summer that it would begin building the world’s fastest electric car, the Ultimate Aero EV. The company said the EV supercar would be unleashed sometime this summer at an American racetrack in a show of fast laps and fast charging. While that’s yet to happen, SSC’s Green division has announced plans to put the heart of its electric powertrain inside a hybrid motor-home.

A recent agreement with Jones & Sons Chassis will see the All-Electric Scalable Powertrain (AESP) installed into a serial hybrid recreational vehicle platform with a 150-mile all-electric range. The REERV (range-extended electric recreational vehicle) will supposedly be able to achieve a total range of 500 miles and be capable of refilling its battery overnight on the 220V, 50 amp service typically found at campgrounds.

Although no time frame was given for the project, an earlier release from SSC Green states, ambitiously, that they hope to supply over a quarter of the drivetrains needed to reach Obama’s 2015 million plug-in car goal. The 260,000 AESP’s would be be built at its manufacturing plant if the $30 million Department of Energy’s Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative grant to fund their expansion plan comes through. Check out both press releases after the break.

[Source: Shelby SuperCars]

Continue reading Shelby SuperCars working on hybrid motorhome

Shelby SuperCars working on hybrid motorhome originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Convertibles, Green, FIAT, Lifestyle

Fiat held a glitzy launch for the convertible version of its super hot supermini at the Whisky Mist in London the other night and swimsuit supermodel Elle Macpherson was the first in the UK to go topless, getting her very own 500C. We’re told the Australian-born model and actress received the keys to the latest iteration of the Italian-built model outside her Notting Hill home and was soon overheard telling a friend how cool and sexy she thought it was. Of course, Elle knows all about cool and sexy Fiat 500s, having previously owned the original hard top version.

Other convertible-celebrating celebrities up in da club with Edoardo Agnelli, the nephew of Fiat’s co-founder, included Tesla Roadster buyer and Black-Eyed Peas guy will.I.am and Sugababes’ Amelle. Feel free to check out the gallery below of Elle’s famous friends posing with her new ride. Americans lusting after a topless model for themselves may have to wait until 2011 before they are able to satisfy their desire. Hit the jump for a couple bonus vids of the 500C in action and the official UK launch press release.

[Source: MS&L London]

Continue reading Elle Macpherson gets topless at Fiat 500C launch [w/VIDEO]

Elle Macpherson gets topless at Fiat 500C launch [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading about Elle Macpherson gets topless at Fiat 500C launch [w/VIDEO]

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green

The crew from On Cars had a chance to spend some quality time with the Tesla Model S and some of the key people bringing this sweet sedan to fruition. In the first of three videos (the other two haven’t been released yet), not only are we treated to some gorgeous shots of the Model S, inside and out, but also have the chance to listen to designer Franz von Holzhausen talk at length about the object of our fastback desire. If you’ve been paying attention to every detail released about the all-electric so far, there might not be a lot of new material for you here, though interestingly, the Model S does get the year 2011 attached to it. That seems a little soon seeing as a factory hasn’t been built or acquired yet, but we digress.

Even if you do happen to know every bit of Model S minutiae, it is nice to hear the passion and excitement Franz has for the project as he talks with ardor about proportion and aerodynamics. You can see why Tesla chief, Elon Musk hired him on in the first place. But enough jabbering, hit the jump and check it out for yourself.

[Source: On Cars]

Continue reading VIDEO: Franz von Holzhausen talks about the 2011 Tesla Model S

VIDEO: Franz von Holzhausen talks about the 2011 Tesla Model S originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green

The crew from On Cars had a chance to spend some quality time with the Tesla Model S and some of the key people bringing this sweet sedan to fruition. In the first of three videos (the other two haven’t been released yet), not only are we treated to some gorgeous shots of the Model S, inside and out, but also have the chance to listen to designer Franz von Holzhausen talk at length about the object of our fastback desire. If you’ve been paying attention to every detail released about the all-electric so far, there might not be a lot of new material for you here, though interestingly, the Model S does get the year 2011 attached to it. That seems a little soon seeing as a factory hasn’t been built or acquired yet, but we digress.

Even if you do happen to know every bit of Model S minutiae, it is nice to hear the passion and excitement Franz has for the project as he talks with ardor about proportion and aerodynamics. You can see why Tesla chief, Elon Musk hired him on in the first place. But enough jabbering, hit the jump and check it out for yourself.

[Source: On Cars]

Continue reading VIDEO: Franz von Holzhausen talks about the 2011 Tesla Model S design

VIDEO: Franz von Holzhausen talks about the 2011 Tesla Model S design originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Tech, Videos, Volvo

Volvo and Vattenfall have just made an announcement that should hurry the Swedish car maker along the hybrid highway. The two companies have partnered to develop a plug-in diesel hybrid that is expected to begin series production in 2012 with the first three demonstration vehicles to be completed this summer. Volvo, of course, will supply the cars, while the energy giant will bring charging units and the actual carbon-free electricity to the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) equation. Other hybrids being baked by the Ford-owned brand include a “micro-hybrid” for 2011 as well as the ReCharge concept.

Technologically, this PHEV is quite interesting. It will use 71% of its 11.3 kWh pack of lithium ion batteries to power the back wheels for about 30 miles (50 km). After that, the diesel engine takes over and will then drive the front wheels. The charging time for the battery is about five hours through a household type outlet and the car, which will use the body of the Volvo V70, will feature regenerative braking. Hit the jump for the official press release as well as a video outlining the program.

Continue reading Volvo announces diesel plug-in hybrid for 2012 [w/video]

Volvo announces diesel plug-in hybrid for 2012 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Green, Videos, Suzuki, Holden, Australia, Humor

While they might lack the comedic punch of their seasoned British co-frères, the presenters at Top Gear Australia don’t seem to have any electric car “issues“. Indeed, in a recent episode they even held their own battery-powered build-off. Presenters Warren Brown and Steve Pizzati each took a car of their choosing, stripped out all the combustive components and inserted a rough and (mostly) ready electric drivetrain, before meeting up on a racetrack to compete for bragging rights.

Realizing that a decent electric vehicle shouldn’t be too heavy, Pizzati decided to go with the featherweight Suzuki MightyBoy while his competitor settled on that great Australian classic, the HZ Holden Kingswood. This hulking station wagon weighs in somewhere between the QEII and the state of New Hampshire. While we won’t tell you which conversion won straight out, we will throw out the hint that the triumphant strains of “Football meat pies kangaroos electric cars” could be heard coming from the passenger compartment of the conquering contestant. Follow the jump for the segment in two parts - as well as a bonus video of a very nice MightyBoy conversion.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear Australia electric car build-off, Aussie rules style

VIDEO: Top Gear Australia electric car build-off, Aussie rules style originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Despite thousands of people signing up for a chance to lease the MINI E, only 500 are being produced at this stage, with 50 of those are destined for Berlin. Now, after months of winnowing down the list, the very first car has been delivered to one very happy customer. After meeting all the necessary requirements and having a charger installed in his garage, Peter Trepp took delivery of his shiny new ride last Friday. He had actually just test-driven one the day before where he learned of his impending good fortune.

Numbered 111, the electric two-seater is Peter’s to enjoy for a year and he already expects that the parting will be difficult. His first drive in his car, like ours, occurred in bad L.A. traffic, but he was more than content and enjoyed the entire slow ride home. Trepp advises other future MINI E “pioneers” they’ll get used to not having to touch the brake pedal. The regenerative braking is relatively strong and, he says, “not bad at all.” Drivers won’t have to worry about the people behind them being unaware when the car’s momentum decreases as the brake lights will come on when the foot is lifted from the accelerator. You can follow Peters MINI E experience at his blog which he has diligently been updating since March.

[Source: Plugged-In With Peter's Mini E via USA Today]

First MINI E delivered to LA customer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Videos

A year ago, less a day, we showed you the first clip of the Fisker Karma in motion. More footage was shot that afternoon, but it’s inexplicably taken this long for it to find its way onto the internet. What we have here is 52 seconds of exuberant, pedal-down slalom carving and skidpad circling in the Fisker Karma. The driver makes the tires squawk so much that you forget all about the unfortunate pop tune dubbed into the clip.

While not as polished as Fisker’s recently-aired commercial, it does give a more accurate hint of how the luxo-sport hybrid-electric might handle. That is to say with a bit of understeer, though its wide stance does help keep the car from revealing its considerable weight. So ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts and hit the jump for some wheel-squealing Karma action. Scroll down a bit further to revisit the aforementioned commercial spot as well.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Fisker Karma shows its mojo

VIDEO: Fisker Karma shows its mojo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 May 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Etc., Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

Since it was announced that the highly quotable Bob Lutz would be departing from his General Motors management spotlight, automotive bloggers and reporters everywhere have been mourning the loss of an executive with such an exquisite way with words. Now it appears that the pining may have been premature, thanks to the emergence of another top management type with the brass, it seems, to freely speak his mind in public.

In a new interview with Yahoo! Tech Ticker’s Sarah Lacy, Tesla CEO Elon Musk was asked what he thought of an earlier New York Times piece that voiced opposition to a government loan for the electric car maker. With a huge smile indicating his delight in the opportunity to speak about the issue, Musk announced that “Randy Stross is a huge douchebag”. After a brief pause he added, “…and an idiot.” Take that, Mr. Fancy Pants reporter guy!

In the course of the interview, Musk goes on to explain exactly how he felt the writer in question cherry-picked from the facts to make a case for Department of Energy loan denial, going on to vigorously defend the Tesla business model. In the conversation that followed the opening barrage, it was very interesting to note the certitude expressed by Elon that Tesla Motors would receive the low interest loan requested from the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) program. Noting that his company is a “perfect fit” for ATVM funds, he states, “The odds of us getting that money ($350 million) are 99 percent…” alluding to assurances given in private meetings, Musk suggested the funds are coming and coming soon. Hit the jump for the entertaining and informative video.

[Source: Tech Ticker via Tesla Motors Club]

Continue reading VIDEO: Tesla CEO 99 percent sure of DOE loan, calls NYT writer “a huge douchebag”

VIDEO: Tesla CEO 99 percent sure of DOE loan, calls NYT writer “a huge douchebag” originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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