Feature Article #1

Tesla Model S

Tesla Model S Delivers Performance and Luxury

During the recent tough economic times, the high end of most markets did not suffer. That certainly is the case with the Tesla Model S electric sedan. Even though pricing ranges from $49,900 (after a $7,500 federal tax credit) for a base model to $97,900 for the “Signature Performance” model and first deliveries are not expected until in mid-2012, Tesla Motors reported that it held more than $90 million in deposits for the Model S by the end of 2011.

Why such great interest in an electric car at all and especially so far in advance of its availability? In an attempt to make a mainstream electric car, Tesla Motors is taking an approach that is similar to that taken by smartphone and computer companies. According to the Wall Street Journal, that strategy is to “start by selling expensive gear to enthusiasts, and get them to finance the breakthroughs that make the technology affordable for the masses.”

To appeal to the enthusiast mentality of being willing to pay top dollar to be the first with the newest toy, the car is sleek and long (196 inches), looking similar to a Jaguar XF; has a 17-inch infotainment high-definition touchscreen, which drivers will be able to download apps and news through a mobile link; comes with an all glass panoramic roof; and offers a top speed of 125 mph, with the Model S Performance version delivering 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 4.4 seconds.

The Tesla Model S also pushes the envelope on electric car driving range. Many electric cars, such as the Nissan Leaf, offer a driving range of about 100 miles. A Tesla Model S can go two to three times that distance, depending on the battery choice. To that end, the Model S comes with three battery options. The choices include 40 kWh, 60 kWh, or 85 kWh systems. They deliver, respectively, a 160 mile, 230 mile, and 300 mile driving range when completely charged.

All three batteries are contained within the same enclosure, integrating with the vehicle in the same way. All three batteries use automotive-grade lithium-ion cells arranged for optimum energy density, thermal management, and safety.

Tesla also focused on new charging solutions with the Model S. The car features Tesla’s innovative universal charging connector, which lets a driver plug into the most common 240-volt outlet, standard 120-volt wall outlets, and public stations. Using Tesla’s High Power Wall Connector and twin chargers, the Model S can be recharged at the rate of 62 miles range per hour. And drivers can get a fifty-percent charge in thirty minutes with a Tesla Supercharger.

Drivers of the Tesla Model S will have a choice of four trims. The standard Model S will come with the three battery options. Pricing for the 40 kWh, 60 kWh, and 85 kWh systems is, respectively, $49,900, $59,900, and $69,000. The Model S Performance, Model S Signature, and Model S Signature Performance versions all come with the 85 kWh battery and upscale interior features. They are priced at $84,900, $87,900, and $97.900, respectively. (All prices are stated after deducting a $7,500 Federal tax credit.)

One thousand Model S Signature Limited Edition cars will be available in mid-2012; the rest of the line will see first deliveries in the Fall of 2012. Learn more about the Model S at the official website here.

1Hybrid1 | April 29th, 2012 | Continued

Feature Article #2

Ford Focus Electric

This year, Ford introduced its first ever all-electric vehicle – the Ford Focus Electric, through the International Consumer Electronics Show.  Car enthusiasts however may have to wait until 2013 for it to be commercially available along with at least four (4) other electric vehicles produced by other manufacturers.  The complete details of the car’s expected performance specifications have yet to be revealed.

From the very few details that have been made known to the public, its top speed is said to be 84 miles per hour while its recharging time is a good half-time of the competitors’ which is about three (3) to four (4) hours. Ford sees the cost of batteries and charging infrastructure as the main challenges to overcome. It has initiated efforts towards finding the solution to these problems by partnering with Best Buy and Leviton for the purpose of installing home charging stations. These stations will be 220 volts which can charge the car on the availability of the lowest energy prices typically during night time.

The Ford Focus Electric is powered by a lithium-ion battery system which facilitates maximization of battery life that allows it to adjust temperature as required through the use of heated and cooled liquid. Performance maximization is made possible since batteries are able to accept a charge efficiently. Ford is banking on customers who are willing and able to make a statement in relation to environmental sensitivity.

The entry of Ford Focus Electric is expected to affect the sales of the Nissan Leaf. Ford has been quite direct in its attack towards its identified competition in its press releases. It has also cited the supposed edge of its product over the Leaf.

One advantage is the 6.6 KW onboard charger of the Ford Focus over Leaf’s 3.3 KW onboard charger. Another is the reduced charging time of three (3) to four (4) hours as opposed to Leaf’s standard charging time of six (6) to eight (8) hours. Nissan Leaf has expressed its plan to update its onboard charger through the 2012 Leaf. The liquid thermal management system for the battery pack as found in Ford Focus is non-existent in a Leaf.

Nissan however has the upper hand in terms of delivery since it has already started in some US States while the first commercial Ford Focus has yet to roll out from the plant in 2012. By this time, other big players such as Mitsubishi, Honda and Toyota are expected to join the competition with their own electric vehicles. Ford has not yet announced its price although it should not be very far from Leaf’s $ 32,780.00 if it is to remain competitive.

Ford Focus will be initially marketed in select areas including Atlanta, Austin and Houston in Texas, Richmond, Seattle and Washington DC; Raleigh Durham, NC; Portland, Oregon; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Orlando, Florida; New York; Los Angeles; San Francisco, San Diego, Denver, Chicago, and Boston. It will be built at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne. Ford will simultaneously produce the gasoline version of Ford Focus to answer the varied needs of consumers. It is interesting to note that the assembly plant is partly powered by a 500 KW solar system.

A new and sturdy charging cord will come with every Ford Focus Electric. This will allow recharging in remote areas. Ford teams up with Compact Power for the production of the lithium-ion battery to be used in the Ford Focus Electric.

1Hybrid1 | January 7th, 2011 | Continued

Feature Article #3

Chevy Volt

General Motors is seeking to regain its hold in the auto industry by introducing a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle known as the Chevrolet Volt. Launched in December 2010 as a 2011 model, it was first offered at a retail price of $41,000.00 before factory incentives, tax deductions and other subsidies. It is also available through a lease program consisting of 36 monthly payments of US $350.00 plus $2,500.00 at lease signing and an option to buy at the end of the lease term. At least seven regions were included in the initial launch area with nationwide availability expected to happen within 12 to 18 months.

The makers of Volt refer to it as an Extended Range Electric Vehicle because of the vehicle’s range-extending gasoline powered internal combustion engine. General Motors purposely avoids the term “hybrid” to describe the Volt. However, industry experts see it as a plug-in series hybrid because the internal combustion engine and electric motor is combined in a series rather than parallel.

The Chevrolet Volt is a mid-sized car with a 5-door lift back body style. It has a front-engine, front-wheel drive layout. Its engine consists of 149 hp electric motor and a 1.4 L 4-cylinder for powering a 74 hp generator. It measures 4,500 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width and 1,430 mm in height. A person who drives less than 40 miles a day is guaranteed to use zero gasoline and produce zero emission. The Volt makes use of a gasoline powered, range extending engine which drives a generator to produce electric power when the lithium-ion battery is exhausted. This happens when the vehicle is driven beyond the 40-mile battery range.

With the expected rare use of the gas and generator, there are concerns about having unused gas going stale unnoticed. The engine must occasionally be cycled to keep this from happening as well as to keep the parts lubricated. Regular monitoring of the gas situation is being done by the vehicle’s computer. A message will be given to the driver of the need to let the generator go and thus the need to go beyond the EV range. When the warning is ignored after two times, the Volt will start its generator to burn some fuel on its own which will stop upon completion of the engine and fuel maintenance mode. The car goes back to pure EV operation after.

The Volt sports a stylish and futuristic appeal and has a roomy interior featuring leather/suede upholstery, multi-level heating driver and passenger seats, rear seat bench, split-folding rear seatback, power steering, power windows, power mirrors, cruise control, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, universal remote transmitter, keyless ignition, rear view camera and retained accessory power. It is also equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment and safety features such as Bluetooth wireless data link for navigation system and hands-free phone, built-in hard drive, video monitor, 4-wheel ABS. stability and traction control, airbags, child safety locks and seat anchors, remote anti-theft alarm system, passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation, and auto delay off headlamps, among others.

Dubbed as the only electric car that uses gas to create its own electricity, the Chevrolet Volt allows access to other options if and when the plug-in option is not readily available.

Chevy Volt | Nissan Leaf | Peugeot iOn | Tesla Roadster | Mitsubishi i-MiEV

1Hybrid1 | December 19th, 2010 | Continued

Feature Article #4

Nissan Leaf

For a $ 99.00 reservation fee, car enthusiasts get to save a spot in the waiting line for the Nissan Leaf. There is no guarantee that everyone in line will get theirs once the most-awaited green family car starts rolling out of production doors since initial production estimate is placed only at 50,000 units. The first batches will be made in Japan starting October 2010 with U.S. production slated to start in the second half of 2012. By December 2010, the Nissan Leaf will be seen on the road.

The Nissan Leaf is a compact, five-door family sedan which provides comfortable seating to five (5) passengers. It is touted as the industry’s first all-electric, zero emission car specifically designed for the mass market. The standard model offers air-conditioning, navigation, stereo, power-steering and power windows, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, regenerative breaking system and 16” alloy wheels, among others. The Nissan Leaf SL carries all the features of its standard SV model plus solar panel spoiler, rearview monitor, cargo cover, fog lamps, auto on/off headlamps and the HomeLink universal transreceiver.

The car’s primary method of charging is the Nissan Home Charging Dock which uses a 220/240 V dedicated line in the owner’s home. However, each car unit comes with a 110/120 V Trickle Charge Cable that works with the onboard charging system. Car owners can set a charging timer as well as control the car’s functions and charging from a computer or any phone that is Internet-enabled. A single charge is expected to take the car up to 100 miles. Nissan will put up the infrastructure to support Nissan Leaf owners by providing charging locations along the route. It takes eight (8) hours to fully charge the car’s battery on a 220/240 V home charging station although a 480w quick-charging system will eventually be available once the standard is set.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance is working to form agreements with cities in the US for the development of infrastructures that would support widespread use of electric cars. Nissan Leaf units can only be handled by qualified and trained Nissan EV technicians because of its electric motor. The details of the maintenance schedule are still on the works although owners will certainly not find oil change schedules.

The Nissan Leaf is able to offer more interior space in the absence of a gas tank. It has also been built to meet, if not exceed federal safety regulations in addition to the company’s rigorous internal testing. Drivers will be given an exceptionally quiet driving experience. Concerns about the car being too quiet as not to be able to forewarn people of its arrival shall be countered by the “Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians” System which produces warning sounds.

With the potential to totally eradicate tailpipe emissions on the road, the Nissan Leaf is certainly attracting attention especially with its very affordable price tag. The release price in the US is pegged at US$ 32,780.00 before applicable tax incentives. However, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 established the electric vehicle federal tax credit of US$ 7,500.00 which effectively brings down the net price to $ 25,280.00. Residents of specific states such as California have more reason to be happy with the $ 5,000.00 statewide rebate being offered. Nissan Leaf’s exceptional features plus it environment-friendly factor packaged in a truly mass market price makes it a Green and Go alternative.

Chevy Volt | Nissan Leaf | Peugeot iOn | Tesla Roadster | Mitsubishi i-MiEV

1Hybrid1 | December 11th, 2010 | Continued

Feature Article #5

Peugeot iOn

The French car manufacturer Peugeot is considered the pioneer in the worldwide manufacturing of electric vehicles. It is launching its Peugeot iOn by the end of 2010. Peugeot iOn is a 100% electric vehicle based on Mitsubishi’s iMiEV, having been developed in cooperation with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. Its target market includes both retail and fleet customers.

Measuring 3,474 mm in length and 1,475 mm wide, this four-seat, four-door vehicle is especially suitable for city and suburb driving. It has a total weight of 1,120 kg. and has a 168- liter boot. It has a turning circle of 4.50 m. Peugeot iOn’s electric motor outputs 64 hp between 3,500 and 8,000 rpm and 180 Nm of torque between 0 and 2,000 rpm. Its official range on a single charge of the battery is 150 km/hr. Requiring only 15.9 seconds to get from 0 to 100 km/hr, it is able to run at a top speed of 130 km/hr.

Packing up the inherent advantages of an electric vehicle such as unprecedented silence, excellent drivability and the absence of CO2 emissions, the iOn also provides generous standard specifications. Comprising its standard safety features are six air bags, ESP, emergency brake assist (EBA) and the electronic brake force distribution (EBFD). Strong emphasis is also given to the maximum protection of passengers in the event of an impact with regards to the battery component. Battery recharging is automatically controlled based on the monitored parameters of the individual cells of the battery.

The vehicle’s lithium-ion battery can be fully recharged in 6 hours using a traditional household socket. With the use of a special charging unit, the iOn can be given a 50% charge in fifteen minutes or 80% charge in thirty minutes. This is referred to as the quick charge. The running cost of iOn is very minimal as compared to conventional vehicles running on gas regardless of which recharging mode is used.

Peugeot offers additional advantage to future owners of iOn through the telematics technologies. All iOn models will have access to Peugeot services which allows occupants to be in touch with the emergency call center or be automatically connected to the helpline when safety items are activated. This enables emergency or repair services to be swiftly dispatched to the vehicle’s precise location. Other services include periodic transmission of information useful to fleet manager such as battery charge status and mileage as well as checking battery charge status and range of vehicle through Smart phone or PC.

Standard specifications of an iOn includes reclining and folding rear seat backs, height adjustable driver’s seat, front and rear electric windows, Bluetooth compatible MP3 and CD audio system with USB connection, air-conditioning, remote control central locking, daytime lights, power steering and alloy wheels, among others. Options or accessories offered are comprised of the “cold kit” which includes a heated driver’s seat and mirror de-icing, conversion kit which converts the vehicle into a two-seat light commercial vehicle, and the mobile and connected satellite navigation system.

Peugeot iOn is set to be offered in France for less than € 30,000.00. It comes with a five-year warranty or 50,000 km for its battery pack. The iOn is an especially interesting vehicle not only because of the offered features of the vehicle itself but also because of the services that are offered together with it.

Chevy Volt | Nissan Leaf | Peugeot iOn | Tesla Roadster | Mitsubishi i-MiEV

1Hybrid1 | December 2nd, 2010 | Continued

Feature Article #6

Tesla Roadster

The Tesla Roadster has been hitting the road since 2008.  Touted as the sports car with no equal, it has since been providing emissions-free driving to at least 25 countries.  Tesla Motors was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California.  Its avowed mission is to increase the variety and number of electric cars offered to mainstream users.

The car’s appeal is built on its physical beauty and ease of use and maintenance.  Owners get to use it at any time of the day and quietly recharge it upon getting home.  A fully-charged car is ready to go in the morning.  Tesla says that it does not sacrifice performance to the reduction of emission.  This means that the driving experience is better than ever minus the usual environment risks associated with gas-powered vehicles.  Some refer to it as a great sports car that just happens to be electric.

Boasting of an 88% driving efficiency compared to the typical 25% efficiency of its gas-powered counterpart, the maker of the Tesla Roadster finds it exhilarating to be using less energy to beat equivalent sports cars.  The fact that it can be charged with electricity as created from 100% renewable energy makes it a class of its own as no other sports car can lay the same claim.

Many Roadster owners have been taken their Green Initiative further by installing residential solar systems that allows them to charge their cars completely off the grid.  Tesla Motors on the other hand, is continuously working to power the grid through more efficient methods for the reduction of over all emissions.  Pun intended, the Tesla Roadster is probably the fastest way to gain freedom from petroleum dependence.

Since the charger is on board the car, no special equipment is needed to plug it in.  Recharging does not entail going out of one’s way to find a station as any outlet can be used to charge the car.  This is quite convenient since outlets can be found practically everywhere.

Clean energy is what we hope for the future, so it certainly will not hurt to work on it right now through electric vehicles.  A fully-charged car offers 245 miles of driving range.  A long coastal drive or mountain trip is never a problem with the availability of Tesla connectors for recharging the car.

The Tesla Roadster has made its mark not only because of zero emission but also for its electric powertrain that facilitates unparalleled responsiveness and its hand-built carbon fiber materials.  It is able to smoothly accelerate from 0 to 60 mph within 3.7 seconds.  It is fast in any climate and is built around the driver.

Offered in various body colors, a standard Roadster features double insulated black soft top, halogen low and high-beam headlamp assemblies, LED tail lights, heated seats, three-spoke leather wrapped sport steering wheel, cruise control, vehicle information touch screen, power windows and door locks, retractable cup holder and air conditioning.  It is powered by a small but strong motor which delivers 288 peak horsepower and 295 lbs/ft of torque.  This motor simply spins to the opposite direction when going in reverse.  Tesla Roadster provides every reason to go electric.  It is offered at the list price of $ 109,000.00 less federal tax credit.

For those of you who are interested in a preview of the next electric offering from Tesla, here is a video of the pre-production Model S. When these beautiful cars go flying by, you’d expect to hear some engine roar. All I hear is pure electric power and some tire noise. The silence is eeire.

Chevy Volt | Nissan Leaf | Peugeot iOn | Tesla Roadster | Mitsubishi i-MiEV

1Hybrid1 | November 17th, 2010 | Continued

Feature Article #7

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Winner of the “Most Advanced Technology” Special Achievement Award in Japan’s Car of the Year 2009 – 2010, the Mitsubishi iMiEV attempts to offer a solution to the usual drawbacks of a conventional Electric Vehicle. The birth of iMiEV was made possible by the introduction of the Lithium-ion battery. It is touted as the pioneer that will begin the next 100 years of the automotive industry which is historically dependent on oil.

The iMiEV is the first mass-produced electric vehicle of Japan. Its makers challenge drivers to experience the quietness, better acceleration response and natural handling response of the vehicle. Its use also does not result in the emission of exhaust gas.

Based on the gasoline-driven 660 cc “i” minicar, the iMiEV uses a lithium-ion battery plus motor, inverter and other EV components in place of the traditional engine, transmission and fuel tank. Its rear-midship layout as provided by the long wheelbase, allows for space under the floor within which to place the high capacity batteries while also providing space to house the conventional engine and transmission. It has a four-occupant seating capacity.

There are two types of battery charging systems accepted by the iMiEV. One is through the household charger system wherein the vehicle can be charged either from a 100v or 200v ordinary electric outlets either at home or in a parking lot. For this option, the household charger plug located on the right side of the vehicle is used. Another option is through the quick-charger system which can provide charging in a short time via the quick-charger plug found on the left side of the vehicle. The quick charge cannot be done at home because of the high current requirement to accomplish it.

The iMiEV has an overall size of 3,395 mm in length, 1,475 mm in width and 1,600 mm in height. It has a maximum speed of 130 km/hr while offering a range of 160 km. Its motor is of the permanent magnet synchronous type with maximum power of 47 kw and maximum torque of 180N-m. It uses the rear wheel drive system. Being a zero-emissions vehicle, its use only results to approximately 30% of the CO2 of the gasoline minicar but only because of the emissions of the power plants that generate the power needed to charge it and not resulting from its actual use. The cost of charging is definitely much lower than the cost of oil needed to run a gas-powered car.

The highly efficient motor of the iMiEV provides strong acceleration as high torque is generated from a low speed. The vertical vibration that typically comes with gasoline engines is absent in an iMiEV, making it an extremely quiet vehicle. Its Integrated Vehicle Management System includes the Multi-Entertainment System, the Battery Management System and the High Voltage Circuit Breaker System which helps to safeguard occupants and rescuers against electric shock in times of accidents.

Several energy saving functions have also been incorporated in the vehicle as well as standard specifications such as air-conditioning, power windows and cold region specifications like heated seat and heated door mirrors. Even before rolling out into the market, it is being referred to as the “Earth Vehicle” because of its kindness to the environment. US sales are slated for the year 2011 with a target base price of below US $ 30,000.00.

Chevy Volt | Nissan Leaf | Peugeot iOn | Tesla Roadster | Mitsubishi i-MiEV

1Hybrid1 | November 3rd, 2010 | Continued