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EV WORLD EXCLUSIVE ARTICLE |
Nissan introduced the Denki Cube concept electric car at the New York Auto Show in 2008, while also announcing that it would offer an all-electric car for sale in North America in 2012. Nissan and its French ally, Renault are codeveloping an electric car for Project Better Place that will be sold in Israel and Denmark initially.
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Electric Cars: The Immediate Years Ahead
By Bill Moore
You can't kick the tire on an electric car at your local dealer, but that's about to change
Open Access Article Originally Published: April 23, 2008
It took a war, a movie and $100 a barrel oil to bring back the electric car.
Not that you can walk down to your local car dealership and buy one, much less kick its tire, but that day may not be far off.
Once a competitive option a century ago, electric vehicles or EVs, found themselves eclipsed by models powered by gasoline that offered greater driving range. Awash in cheap Texas crude, Americans gradually found themselves pulled ever-deeper into their 100-year-long relationship with the motorcar and the freedom it promised.
But that was half-a-century and thousands of brimming oil fields ago.
Now concerns over national security, climate change and global resource competition are spurring a revival of interest in cars that run on electricity instead of petroleum. While the number of energy sources that can power an internal combustion engine are limited, essentially, to petroleum and biofuels, an electric car can be charged from myriad sources -- both centralized and decentralized -- including fossil fuels, nuclear power and renewables: themselves spanning the gamut from hydropower to geothermal to wind and solar.
General Motors CEO and President Rick Wagoner has begun, of late, to extol the virtues of the electric car as a way to remove the automobile from the "environmental equation." The company that "killed the electric car" -- as charged in the successful Chris Paine documentary -- has done a 180 degree turn and launched its biggest gamble; the development of an extended range electric car called the Volt, due out sometime in the 2010 time frame.
And GM is not alone. Virtually all of the major and mid-tier carmakers have electric car programs in development, with most slated to begin appearing in showrooms in the next several years. But here is what you can expect to find in the next year or two.
Quasi-Production EVs
While GM burns the midnight oil preparing the Volt to meet a self-imposed 2010 launch date, there are a handful of production electric cars available -- for order, not necessarily delivery -- today if you have the financial wherewithal.
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29 comments so far...
09-Jul-2008
62638
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Someone please come up with a van for families that features electric power. There are millions of vans on the roads today because there are millions of families. Chrysler stared this years ago. Who is going to cash in on the "new" van?
Posted by: k schneider
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18-Jul-2008
62787
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For those posting that the battery only electric car 'remains an oxymoron,' please rent and view the documentary 'Who Killed the Electric Car?' When Chrysler killed the EV-5, I believe they called it, Texaco bought the patent for the long-distance battery. I don't recall if the range was 300 miles or 500 miles, but the point is that Texaco is just sitting on that patent. We will have to wait until their monopoly expires, someone invents a 500-mile battery using a different technology, or Texaco decides they can profit by releasing the patent.
Posted by: Susan York
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15-Jul-2008
62756
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Please check out the 1st affordable EV. $15,995-
www.BGelectricCars.com
Posted by: Barry Bernsten
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29-Apr-2008
61423
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I look at the 5 door chevy econimical car today. And compared to the honda fit. I actually like the chevy price tag and its look over the honda. I really want to buy an AMERICAN CAR. But I cant do it, cause of the movie. Chevy could have tried to sell that car,i never saw an ad for it. I think their going to pay for this blunder with a huge backlash from the public. They had a the car and they could have just kept on improving each year. like every auto maker does. Hey chevy just think 4yrs. to Inprove on the EV do you seriously think they wouldnt be flying off the show room floor. WAY TO GO BONE HEADS.
Posted by: joe draper
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21-May-2008
61793
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I've been researching EV's for a while now and just realized why they are going to be so difficult to bring into mainstream use. As much as I don't want to be a Conspiracy Theorist, how long before the state and local governments realize just how much tax money they are losing to those of us who aren't spending $50 to $200 per month on gasoline?
Right now EV's are considered novelty ideas. They have little or no impact on tax dollars. Our gov. officials are paying close attention, though, and they are making plans.
Posted by: Cameron Brown
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23-Jun-2008
62342
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All this waiting for GM. If they would just start producing the Impact again, maybe with some updated batteries they could sell a pile of them.
Regarding the people who are obsessed with electric cars range, I like AC Propulsion's solution, a tiny trailer with a gas generator inside. So for your commuting you leave the extra weight at home, and on your once a month 300 mile trip you hitch up the trailer.
Posted by: Michael Crumpton
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23-Apr-2008
61315
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Excellent summary of where we are now and where things are going!
The only thing I didn't see was even a casual mention of individuals converting their own cars to electric.
Posted by: Scott Collins
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23-Apr-2008
61316
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Looks like Ed Begley has a Phoenix SUT:
Green Life
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/environment/2008-04-20-begley-green-living_N.htm
Posted by: Emile Stevens
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23-Apr-2008
61318
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The battery only electric car remains an oxymoron that appeals almost entirely to self-
sacrificing treehuggers who delude themselves that they are saving the Earth one carbon molecule at a time. Until the EEStor proves itself to be practical, there remain no practical examples of a battery only electric car.
But that's hardly a problem - you don't need a battery-only electric car to destroy the gasoline industry and avoid as many carbon molecules as can be accomplished with a serial hybrid like the Volt, BYD, etc. that has 40 or more electric miles in the battery pack. Calling the Tesla's 220 mile driving range "satisfying" is quite a hoot - especially for a $100,000 vehicle with transmission problems and acceleration 40% less than advertised. The Tesla is nothing more than a glitzy piece of greenwashing for Hollywood glamour folks. It has absolutely no significance in either the fight to destroy oil or emissions. That "satisfying" 220 mile driving range (which can be less than 190 miles, depending, actually means that the driving radius is a less than impressive 95 miles. I can think of thousands of places I would like to visit and they're ALL more than 95 miles away from home.
Posted by: kent beuchert
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23-Apr-2008
61320
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Kent... The real question is how often do you visit all those places you would like to go? If you have to drive more then 100 miles one way, then you need either a range-extended EV like the Volt or you need a diesel. No one says EVs are for everyone, but I'll bet that you are like most people and spend your time driving less than 40 miles a day, easily within the range of nearly any EV.
Posted by: Bill Moore
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23-Apr-2008
61321
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The 'one-size-fits-all' car is an oxymoron. Most EV owners I know have more than one car, or rent one. I bought an EV for the need, not the image. My daily drive is two twenty mile trips. I charge during 'peak' hours via sunshine. I wanted economy and reliability, and my EV is far more economic and reliable than my gas guzzler second car. Not a drop of gasoline in 27 years. 1981 Jet Electrica.
Posted by: John Spradley
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23-Apr-2008
61323
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This also didn't mention the part electric hybrids. They are also a step and even allow for the long trips anytime you need to like Kent would like. It's a vehicle that can change as batteries and prices change. How much EV can you afford ? It's up to you.
Personally I love my bicycle for personal fun and transportation. And my Prius for longer runs with 3 to 5 friends. A Plug-in Prius will just be another step ahead.
Posted by: jim stack
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23-Apr-2008
61324
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No mention of the EV motorcycle.
A great project would be a Ducati 1098 EV conversion.
Posted by: John Hurt
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24-Apr-2008
61328
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Wow,
I didn't realize BEV's really ARE here. People are picking up their Tesla orders (like Jay Leno.) If the Miles sedan will be released in the next few months I know one family member who is now (after months of explaining to him the virtues/and gas price increases) open to putting an electric car on his short list. (Plus he can afford it now.)
Myself, I'm hoping my schooling will be settled and I can look at either the Mitsubishi, Nissan, or Aptera. I wish I could just shell out money for a (gulp!) XB conversion or Phoenix, but pending winning the lottery, those are presently out of my range. TH!NK has my interest, but without a price tag I'm not ready to commit. The 65 mph top speed is of some concern, but to get 82 mpg in my Insight I drive now an average of 62 mph, so I shouldn't be so concerned.
Yes, I see a wind turbine in my future and am about to put down a payment for my pv system, so the car can in theory receive some of its energy from my owned renewables as well as my bought renewables.
Maybe, maybe we will finally get on the right track (and this still is only a step in the right direction.)
Posted by: Ben Brown
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24-Apr-2008
61329
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John Hurt: I didn't mention EV two-wheelers because this article, as the title clearly states, is about 'cars'. Also, while I do reference shops that do automobile conversions from gas-to-electric, this isn't something the average person is going to tackle, especially when for no a lot more money (if you go with a newer donar car, AC drive and better batteries), you could end up with something that is professionally engineered and offer better performance.
Posted by: Bill Moore
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24-Apr-2008
61332
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Our wish list for an EV would include an energy system that provides an ultra-capacitor/lithium battery combination with regenerative braking, a 200+ mile range, and a max speed of 65+. Regardless of the time table, I hope the manufacturers understand that we and hopefully many others plan to wait rather than buy another standard IC vehicle.
Posted by: Peter McGrath
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24-Apr-2008
61333
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I reside in the province of Manitoba, Canada.
The premier of our province has tabled a bill for approval the use of electric cars in cities.
The company ZENN now makes electric cars in Canada and sells them in the U S A.
Considering the economical and non polluting features they should be on the streets in May!
Enjoy your electric cars Americans !!!
Posted by: Kenneth Roy
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24-Apr-2008
61334
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Tell your car dealer, no plug no deal! If you want to get the Car Co.s attention that ought to do it. As for me a Th!nk would probably do it, and convert my Prius to a PHEV.
Then I'll gladly scrap my Del-Sol conversion.(or put it in a museum)
Posted by: Dave K.
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24-Apr-2008
61335
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Bill,
Enjoyed the article but you overlooked some a few things. First of all you failed to mention zenn announcement of their highway car that is to be produced in the fall of 09. While there may be room for skepticism that can be said for all these options from the volt to telsa.
Also what about the aptera which says they plan to produce in the fall of 08 and then build up.
The MDI air car says they are going to begin production in the next two years.
jerry h
Posted by: jerry h
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24-Apr-2008
61336
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As a canadian I am appaulled that I cannot purchase a Zenn electric car which is made in
canada This would help to create a greener world for our future generations.
Posted by: gerald petrie
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24-Apr-2008
61341
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As a Realtor, I drive daily in my community to preview homes, take clients to see homes, go to meetings, etc. As a general rule, I rarely drive more than 50 miles per day. So, for me, I would require a vehicle that can carry the driver plus three passengers, comfortably. It would need a range of about 60 miles a day. it would also need to have trunk or other storage space for holding up to 18 open house signs. The perfect vehicle for me would be the Phoenix Motors SUT. However, the price of the Phoenix is way too high at $45,000. The Chinese made Miles sedan (they just announced pricing at about $39,000, by the way) is also too expensive. I think the Toyota RAV4 EV has all the features I would need, but it is not available anymore.
My latest thought is to buy a used PT Cruiser and get it converted to BEV by Left Coast Electric. However, I have tried contacting them via E-mail, and after 5 days, they have not responded, making me wonder if they are actually in business.
So, I'll just have to bide my time for now, and hope there will be something affordable that meets my needs. If those minimum needs can be met, I can keep my old 4 cylinder Ford for trips longer than 60 miles.
Posted by: Bob Willis
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25-Apr-2008
61353
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With respect to ZENN's city car announcement, I am hopeful that they can deliver on that promise, but I didn't feel it warranted inclusion at this point since EEStor remains such an unknown quantity.
With respect to MDI, the jury remains out on whether this long-anticipated project ever gets beyond the prototype stage where it's been stalled for as long as I can remember. I keep hearing conflicting accounts about the air car both pro and con. When they begin taking orders and delivering cars, we'll be on it like flea on a dogs back.
Posted by: Bill Moore
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26-Apr-2008
61359
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A report from the most authorized source that shows
Time standing still over the last 18 months.
EV Star companies from late 2006, reduced to struggling companies in early 2008
Goverment officials all over the world unabashedly showing green lips and tongue, while hiding well 'oiled' hands.
Utterly absurd lamenting about batteries not 'being there yet',
as a result of innecesary overclaiming on the general media.
Love it. There is a world of opportunity for EVs, it started at 85 USD per barrel... Can you check the price today?
Posted by: victor juárez G.
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28-Apr-2008
61376
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EV's increasingly make economic and environmental sense.
Utilities love them for the extra sale of electricity and load balancing (v2g).
Also using the old EV batteries for balancing local renewables becomes interesting under increasing mandatory renewable electricity generation.
For a large scale decarbonization, the case for using large scale solar thermal energy and other renewables becomes increasingly solid by the EV-audience: who wants the part of the solution in his car port be criticized for using coal or nuclear?
Already solar thermal is cheaper than so called 'clean coal' (for which the technology has not been proven yet).
Comparing the time before commissioning new coal or nuclear power plants (10-15 yrs) with that of solar thermal (some years) and the case for EV's powered by solar thermal becomes even more evident.
This way, the EV-audience has the potential to be a tipping point in the current power arrangements ('power' in both political and energy sense)
Emil Möller
Posted by: Emil Möller
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05-May-2008
61517
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Bill's piece was indeed excellent and was the most hit article at www.thecuttingedgenews.com. I think this will be a keeper and undoubtedly should be refreshed every six months. edwin black
Posted by: Edwin Black
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14-May-2008
61682
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If they gave a 100,000.00 for a small business suv. Why in the hell cant we do the same thing for an electric vechical. The energy department had to use some kind of data to say a suv was something a small business would want. I say we band together and get a tax credit for a EV. This is my DAMM country not gm or big oil. does anyone know how they got that suv bs in the energy bill?
Posted by: joe draper
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27-May-2008
61896
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There is something seriously flawed with the States department of motor vehicles if they cannot make the huge revenues from vehicle sales taxes and licensing fees pay for the roadways.The revenues go into a "Blackhole Account" similar to the National Social Security account.Spend the revenue on everything but the obvious.California's DMV is one of the most bloated government agencies and should be downsized.
Posted by: John Hurt
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02-Jun-2008
62031
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We have yet to really tap into cheap / enexpensive electricity. Some inventer I read of in the lasst month has said that if he is given 92 or 96 square miles in Nevada, and he can provide enough electricity for the entire country. And he has a contract with a company in California to build them a system - based on a "solar heated system" the uses low cost materials as steel, glass and water. We NOW have the creative minds to produce low cost / low technology systems to take care of all of our energy needs!
Posted by: Darrell Brown
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15-Jun-2008
62229
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*Conversions* people! Look at Mexico City's program. Get old cars converted. Create jobs and community. Clean up the air. Create positive synergies. Can't we get biz and govt to collaborate on conversion modules that are reasonable universal? Hub motors and plug n play electronics and battery packs. Let's do it for motorcycles too... something like this:
http://www.evdrive.com/Emoto_project/moto_project.html
Talk about cool.... I want a converted late model 125 MXer as a street legal supermoto. Great for commuting and fun riding, even competition.
Posted by: Ivor Thomas
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