Specifically, Ford will launch two zero-emission full battery-electric vehicles including the Transit Connect Electric light commercial vehicle in 2011 followed [...]]]> Ford Motor Company has announced that its global electric vehicles plan is extending to Europe with five full electric or hybrid vehicles across its C, CD and light commercial vehicle ranges coming for European customers by 2013.

Specifically, Ford will launch two zero-emission full battery-electric vehicles including the Transit Connect Electric light commercial vehicle in 2011 followed by the Ford Focus Electric in 2012. Three other vehicles – two next-generation petrol hybrid-electric vehicles and a plug-in hybrid – will be introduced in 2013. Ford’s global electrification strategy will deliver a suite of electrified vehicles to a variety of markets and build on the company’s overall vision of offering the widest possible range of technology solutions – instead of a single vehicle or technology – to improve fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions for customers around the world.

“We recognise that one technology does not work for all our customers,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development. “Our electrification strategy and plans include hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles to best meet our global customers’ needs. Leveraging our global platforms is also central to this strategy and allows us to build on our strong product line-up in the most customer-driven, affordable way.”

As Ford’s global product vision accelerates to ensure that all the company’s vehicles competing in global segments become common in Europe, North America and Asia, the resulting efficiencies will allow a global portfolio of environmentally friendly transportation solutions to be developed based around hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and all-electric vehicles.

“Our goal is to provide consumers with access to significant fuel economy improvements and reduced CO2 emissions to meet their functional needs and without compromising their driving experience,” said John Fleming, Chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

“There is increasing interest among a number of customers in Europe for electrified vehicles and we are responding by stepping up our efforts to bring these models to the marketplace alongside our latest-generation, fuel-efficient petrol and diesel powered models,” Fleming added. “This is further evidence of how the ONE Ford global product vision is transforming our business. European consumers will not have to wait too long before they can choose from a range of electrified alternatives from Ford.”

Zero-Emission

The first models to be launched in Europe will be zero-emission, full-electric versions of two significant models in Ford’s global product portfolio.

The Focus Electric will be based on Ford’s next-generation Focus model and is one of at least ten vehicles that will be developed from the company’s new global C-car platform. Focus Electric will be introduced in the US and Canada in 2011, followed by Europe in 2012.

The Ford Transit Connect Electric is a zero-emission, pure electric-powered version of the award-winning Transit Connect light commercial vehicle and goes on sale in North America later this year. Ford is aiming to make the Transit Connect Electric available for European customers from 2011.

Future Hybrids

While Ford has considerable experience in the North American market with full petrol-hybrid vehicles, the company also is planning to expand its presence in Europe with two all-new, next-generation hybrid passenger cars based on global platforms following in 2013.

In addition, European customers will be able to opt for a plug-in hybrid model, also coming in 2013. “Thanks to the global economies of scale afforded to us by our ONE Ford initiative, I am delighted we are able to make the commitment now to deliver these models to customers in Europe, particularly as the demand for hybrid vehicles grows,” added John Fleming.

Further details of Ford’s hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will be revealed closer to launch.

Prototype Trials in Europe

Ford’s Product Development team is participating in two specific European trial initiatives to demonstrate the technology in real world driving conditions, and generate feedback to help develop further the Focus Electric and the Transit Connect Electric for market acceptance in Europe.

In the UK, a consortium of Ford, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and Strathclyde University is preparing later this year to run a fleet of zero emissions prototype Ford Focus Battery Electric Vehicle prototypes, based around the current Focus model sold in Europe and using elements of the technology under development for the new Focus Electric. The vehicles will be used for evaluation by both SSE and a number of fleet and private customers based in Hillingdon, Middlesex from mid-2010.

This new UK-based BEV demonstration fleet is being created partly with public funding from the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board (TSB), which promotes innovative industry-led projects that reduce CO2. The BEV research programme aims to test the technology’s suitability and to gain greater insight into customer charging behaviour.

In Germany, Ford has recently announced its participation in the colognE-mobil project. This initiative will research the impact of electric vehicles on urban air quality, traffic safety and the electricity supply infrastructure. Scientists will then scale up the results to examine the true benefits an electric future could deliver for German cities.

Ford is one of four partners in the colognE-mobil project and will provide an early fleet of next-generation Focus Electric vehicles in late 2011.

The other partners are utility company RheinEnergie AG, the City of Cologne and the University of Duisburg-Essen. The colognE-mobil project is partly funded by the German Government and coordinated by the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

“These initiatives are a revolution for both the utility and automotive industries,” Fleming said. “Collaborating across sectors is essential to ensure customer focused products that provide the right value along with the readiness of the infrastructure. We need to work and learn together and Ford is very pleased to be a part of these important trials.”

the City of Santa Rosa, California, will use nearly $1 million to buy two hybrid electric buses;

Florida’s Sarasota County Transportation Authority will [...]]]> Vice President Joe Biden announced this month that 191 new transit projects in 42 states and Puerto Rico will receive more than $600 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. Among the projects getting funds,

the City of Santa Rosa, California, will use nearly $1 million to buy two hybrid electric buses;

Florida’s Sarasota County Transportation Authority will spend part of its $4.6 million acquire two 350-foot hybrid buses;

and the Michigan Department of Transportation will spend its $168,000 grant to modify buses with mini-hybrid components.

Since President Obama signed the Recovery Act in February 2009, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded 881 grants totaling $7.5 billion, which means all the formula transit funds provided by the Recovery Act have now been committed to specific transit projects. So far, Recovery Act funds have supported the purchase of nearly 12,000 buses, vans, and rail vehicles; the construction or renovation of more than 850 transit facilities; and the performance of more than $620 million in preventive maintenance, which has helped to save transit service and jobs, while enhancing service reliability. See the White House press release for a complete list of awardees.

Beginning March 1 Fisker Automotive’s global headquarters in Irvine, California will house all design, engineering, sales, marketing, and administrative operations. The company expects the number of new hires to expand dramatically.

About Fisker Automotive

Fisker Automotive is [...]]]> Fisker Automotive recently announced that it is expanding to accelerate development of its next generation plug-in hybrids, code named Project NINA.

Beginning March 1 Fisker Automotive’s global headquarters in Irvine, California will house all design, engineering, sales, marketing, and administrative operations. The company expects the number of new hires to expand dramatically.

About Fisker Automotive

Fisker Automotive is a green American premium sports car company with a mission to create a range of beautiful environmentally friendly cars that make environmental sense without compromise.

The concept was created between two independent companies who clearly wanted to make a difference in not only the automotive industry, but to the environment as well. Fisker Coachbuild, LLC and Quantum Technologies announced this joint venture partnership in September 2007. Fisker Coachbuild will provide exclusive design services for Fisker Automotive while Quantum Technologies (QTWW – a publicly traded company) will provide the latest technological advancements. Each car will feature cutting-edge plug-in hybrid penned as Q DRIVE exclusively for all Fisker Automotive vehicles.

Source: Fisker

The SunPods Sun Bus Power System™ was developed in less than six weeks in collaboration with Bauer Intelligent Transportation, a leading provider of chauffeured green transportation, to enable the company’s fleet [...]]]> SunPods Inc., a California-based manufacturer of modular, fully integrated and tested solar power generation systems, recently announced the industry’s first solar power-assist system for buses.

The SunPods Sun Bus Power System™ was developed in less than six weeks in collaboration with Bauer Intelligent Transportation, a leading provider of chauffeured green transportation, to enable the company’s fleet to meet the strict anti-pollution standards set by the State of California.

SunPods’ modular solar power assist system consists of four thin film solar panels that run the length of the bus and charge an on-board battery bank. When the bus engine is off, the batteries power the air-conditioning and wireless connectivity equipment, enabling transportation companies to effectively meet anti-idling standards without compromising passenger comfort.

SunPod’s solar power-assist system has been in operation on a Bauer IT bus, undergoing testing since January 2010. A prototype was recently on display at the Cleantech Open National Launch in San Francisco on February 26, 2010.

“We support the state’s strong commitment to reducing pollution. At the same time, as a transportation provider, we wanted to meet our customers’ requirements for comfort and connectivity,” stated Gary Bauer, founder and owner of Bauer’s Intelligent Transportation. “SunPods was able to make our vision a reality in less than 6 weeks. We’ve been testing the bus for the past 4 weeks and we’re impressed with the reliable performance.”

In an effort to meet air pollution standards, since 2008 California state law has prohibited diesel vehicles from idling for more than five minutes. More than 25 states across the United States now have anti-idling laws.

“We are really pleased to collaborate with an innovative company like Bauer IT,” said Dan Jaeger, president and co-founder of SunPods. “As a company, our focus is on reducing installation costs to make solar power more cost-effective and, thereby, increase adoption. With Bauer IT’s support, we have created a solar power assist system for luxury buses across the US.”

About SunPods Inc.

Headquartered in San Jose, California, SunPods is expanding the solar power generation market by delivering modular, self-contained solar arrays. SunPods’ units are pre-engineered, pre-manufactured and pre-tested in a rigorous factory setting, making them ready to power up on delivery.

MOREY, an innovative Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) company, has been providing award-winning comprehensive design and [...]]]> The X PRIZE Foundation today announced details of a unique partnership with Illinois-based MOREY Corporation to benefit the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, a $10 million dollar competition designed to inspire a new generation of viable, safe and super fuel-efficient vehicles.

MOREY, an innovative Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) company, has been providing award-winning comprehensive design and manufacturing services for over 75 years. Their clients include leading OEMs and other enterprises relevant to the aerospace and defense, industrial, utility, communications, heavy on-road/off-road and agricultural vehicles markets. However, it was their strength in telematics hardware design and Data Acquisition Systems (DAS) that led X PRIZE to partner with the Illinois-based firm.

Core to the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE mission is educating the public and K-12 students on highly efficient vehicles and associated technologies. As outlined in the competition’s multi-year education program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, an important component of this education is the ability to transfer important data from each of the competing vehicles in near real time back to a public education Web site, a service that MOREY will develop and lead through their existing DAS hardware.

 Prior to the start of on-track vehicle testing in April 2010, a MOREY Data Acquisition System (DAS) will be installed on each one of the competing vehicles. The system will transmit a range of vehicle data such as accelerator position, vehicle speed, fuel economy, and battery power – from each vehicle to a local event server and ultimately to the competition’s education Web site, www.FuelOurFutureNow.org, developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and Discovery Education. The site allows fans to track the progress of competition vehicles in real time.

One feature of the vehicle tracking will be the calculation of each vehicle’s efficiency, measured as MPGe – miles per gallon or its energy equivalent. A direct link will also be available from the main competition Web site at www.progressiveautoxprize.org. MOREY will work closely with fellow Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE partner, ThinkWrap, on the implementation of the online portal, which will feature a GPS-driven map with interactive vehicle icons and virtual instrument displays to make the experience truly interactive and engaging.

 “With a 35-year track record in building and implementing telemetry systems and rugged equipment built to withstand the type of testing that the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE will be performing, we had a lot of confidence that MOREY was the right partner for this project,” noted Steve Wesoloski, Director of Technical Operations for the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE. “Not only are they experts in their field, they hold a common interest in this competition. We’re proud to now officially have them on board.”

 “We at MOREY believe in the mission of the X PRIZE Foundation and the education initiatives of the Department of Energy with this competition and are proud to be selected as the data acquisition and communications link between the competing vehicles in the field and the public-at-large,” says Emad Isaac, Chief Technology Officer for MOREY. “We are honored to put our expertise and technology to work for such a worthy cause.”

 The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE Education Program, funded through a multi-year grant by the U.S Department of Energy, will engage the general public in learning about alternative fuels, energy efficiency, climate change, and the science, technology, engineering, and math behind advanced vehicle development. A key goal of this national program will be to inspire the public to learn more about and pursue careers in related areas, and to generate excitement about the energy-efficient vehicle options of the near-future.

 The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE will award $10 million in prizes to teams that can engineer clean, production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 MPG or its energy equivalent fuel efficiency (MPGe) and win a rigorous stage competition. Winners of the international competition will be announced in September 2010. For more information about the competition, please visit www.progressiveautoxprize.org.

 ABOUT THE X PRIZE FOUNDATION

The X PRIZE Foundation is an educational nonprofit prize institute whose mission is to create radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity. In 2004, the Foundation captured world headlines when Burt Rutan, backed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, built and flew the world’s first private vehicle to space to win the $10 million Ansari X PRIZE. The Foundation has since launched the $10 million Archon X PRIZE for Genomics, the $30 million Google Lunar X PRIZE, and the $10 million Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE. The Foundation is creating and conducting competitions in four prize groups: Exploration (Space and Oceans), Life Sciences, Energy and Environment, Education and Global Development. The Foundation is widely recognized as the leader in fostering innovation through competition. For more information, please visit www.xprize.org.

The Ampera extended-range electric vehicle will use the energy stored in its 16 kWh lithium-ion battery to drive the first stage of the 600 kilometers journey from Rüsselsheim, Germany, to the Geneva Motor Show [...]]]> The first prototype of the production Ampera has received its initial charge of electricity from the newly installed recharging station at Opel’s headquarters.

The Ampera extended-range electric vehicle will use the energy stored in its 16 kWh lithium-ion battery to drive the first stage of the 600 kilometers journey from Rüsselsheim, Germany, to the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland, without emitting CO2.

At the wheel will be Opel/Vauxhall Director of Electric Vehicle Implementation, Gherardo Corsini. “I am really looking forward to putting a lot of “miles” on our first Ampera prototype during this maiden test on public roads,” said Corsini. “With 370 Nm of instantaneous, electric torque under my right foot, it promises to be an interesting and almost silent drive to Geneva.”

When the battery’s charge is low after around 60 km, the Ampera’s on-board internal combustion engine will start to generate electricity to drive the wheels for the remainder of the journey.

A battery electric vehicle would need to find a recharging station and stop for up to several hours to recharge its depleted battery before continuing the journey. The Ampera, however, brings emission-free electric mobility without the limitations of conventional electric cars. It can drive on seamlessly and without interruption for more than 500 km before plugging into a household socket or filling up with fuel.

The prototype’s long-distance drive from Rüsselsheim to Geneva demonstrates that the five-door, four-seat Ampera can be the primary vehicle in the household, ready to drive anywhere, any time. Series-production of the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera is scheduled to begin at the end of 2011.

Opel’s own bloggers will accompany the Ampera on its first long distance test under real world conditions. Starting at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 28, the blog will give regular updates about the journey to Geneva and continue until March 3, the day before the motor show begins. The blog can be found at:

www.opel.posterous.com

Both the three-wheeled 3R-C concept, which envisions a single occupant vehicle for zero emission commuting, and the EV-N urban concept, draw on Honda’s vast working knowledge of vehicles utilizing electric motors.

This revolutionary three wheeled [...]]]> Honda is unveiling its 3R-C all electric concept vehicle in Geneva, alongside the EV-N concept which is makiing its European debut at the show.

Both the three-wheeled 3R-C concept, which envisions a single occupant vehicle for zero emission commuting, and the EV-N urban concept, draw on Honda’s vast working knowledge of vehicles utilizing electric motors.

This revolutionary three wheeled battery electric vehicle concept shows what a future minimal urban transport vehicle for one person might look like. The battery electric drivetrain is mounted low in the three wheeled chassis, therefore keeping the centre of gravity low and thus improving stability.

The 3R-C has a clear canopy that covers the driver’s seat while it is parked and not in use. When 3R-C vehicle is in motion, the canopy becomes an enveloping wind-shield that provides the pilot, who sits low in the vehicle, with significant protection from the bodywork and doors.

The high sides of the safety shell seat give greater safety to the occupant, reducing the threat from side impacts and improving weather protection. In front of the driver is a lockable boot area, which gives significant secure storage for luggage or other items. The 3R-C’s designers created a flexible cover that surrounds the upper torso to reduce exposure to bad weather and improving comfort.

The 3R-C study was created by European designers working at Honda’s Research and Design facility in Milan.

EV-N

The EV-N concept, which has only previously been shown at the Tokyo Motor Show will make its European debut in Geneva.

The EV-N is a battery electric vehicle study, which evokes the spirit of the diminutive 1967 N360 city car. Honda designers have incorporated Honda’s own solar panels in to the roof of the concept, to charge the car while it is parked. Two of Honda’s U3-X, electric personal mobility devices are attached to the inside of each door. The two-door EV-N concept is envisioned with a Lithium ion battery pack, and small electric motor for predominantly urban use.

 Monthly payments start at $1,658. At the end [...]]]> Tesla Motors, producer of the world’s only highway-capable EV, is now offering the option of leasing their all electric Roadster and Roaster Coupe. The new program will allow customers to take immediate delivery of a new 2010 Roadster or Roadster Sport with a three year, 30,000 mile contract.

 Monthly payments start at $1,658. At the end of the term, customers have the flexibility to purchase their Roadster or pay a fee and walk away.

Electric vehicles cost less to fuel than similar gas powered vehicles and the company estimates that the roadster savings could be as much as $131 per month (based on an estimated 833 miles driven per month based on EPA fuel economy tests).

“We are committed to continuously improving and enhancing the Roadster, offering a leasing option means even more people can drive this exciting and groundbreaking car,” said John Walker, Tesla Vice President of Sales.

The Roadster is the only production car that is faster than many sports cars and more energy efficient than any hybrid. It is quickly becoming the choice amongst discerning drivers who demand performance with a clean conscience.

The Roadster has an EPA range of 236 miles per charge, double that of any other commercially released electric vehicle. It can be charged in any conventional 120 or 240V outlet. The Roadster produces zero tailpipe emissions. It does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system repairs. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace.

Tesla customers also benefit from the Tesla Rangers, Tesla’s pioneering mobile service squad. Tesla Rangers make house calls for annual inspections, firmware upgrades and other services, so customers can enjoy hassle-free service from their home or office. U.S. customers pay $1 per roundtrip mile from the closest service center, with a minimum charge of $100.

Lease financing is available on Tesla Roadster vehicles. Monthly lease payments of $1,658 (excludes sales or use tax) for 36 months based on MSRP of $111,005 (includes destination and documentation fees). $12,453 due at signing includes $1,658 first month’s payment, $9,900 down payment, and $895 acquisition fee. No security deposit required. Excludes tax, title, license, registration, and any locally applied fees. This lease offer is subject to credit approval and is for well qualified customers only. Not all customers will qualify for this lease program. Lessee must cover insurance. At lease end, lessee will be liable for disposition fee ($350.00), any excess wear and use as set forth in the lease agreement and excess mileage charges of $0.25 per mile for miles driven in excess of 30,000 miles over the life of the lease. Lessee acquires no ownership interest unless purchase option is exercised.

More details on Tesla Motors Leasing can be found at: www.teslamotors.com/leasing

About Tesla

Tesla’s goal is to produce increasingly affordable cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla sells cars online and has delivered nearly 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America and Europe. Tesla has showrooms in California’s Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Boulder, South Florida, Chicago, London, Munich and Monaco. The Tesla Roadster is faster than many sports cars yet more efficient than a hybrid.