Renault Twizy

Renault Twizy

€6,990

According to Renault, the ideally suited city motoring Renault Twizy delivers all the fundamentals associated with any car, namely four wheels, a steering wheel and pedals, plus an enveloping body for two occupants sitting in tandem

It is offered in two versions, one which requires a driver's licence is powered by a 15kW (20hp) motor, while the other that doesn't require a licence  comes with a 4kW (5hp) motor, besides a  7kWh lithium-ion battery and a  four-wheeled chassis

Its 100kg battery fully charges in three-and-a-half hours via an extendable spiral cable stored beneath a flap at the front of the vehicle, compatible with roadside battery charging facilities. This cable can also be plugged into any 220V 10A household electrical supply

It features a 31-litre lockable cubby underneath the rear seat( the capacity of this locker can easily be increased to 55 litres). and three litres of stowage space either side of the steering wheel.

Safety features include a driver's airbag, a four-point harness at the front and a three-point safety belt at the rear.

Like for other Z.E. vehicles, Renault Twizy customers will lease the battery with monthly subscription starting from €45 inclusive of taxes for an annual distance travelled of 7,500km.

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Mithos Electromagnetic Concept Vehicle- Future Sports Car

Mithos Electromagnetic Concept Vehicle

The Mithos Electromagnetic Vehicle (EV)  is a glimpse of sports cars in the distant future designed and created by Portuguese designer Tiago Miguel Inácio,  who was inspired by Tim Burton’s Batmobile, as well as a variety of unspecified contemporary prototype supercars.

It Is powered by a 1.5 megawatt electric motor – or 2,011hp with a crash resistant body  created from an undiscovered composite called H-Fiber. The Mithos aslo features a Terrain Scanning System (TSS) which adapts the car’s suspension and traction settings depending on the road ahead.

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Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept

Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept

An innovative gasoline plug-in hybrid Concept, the Volvo XC60  is an electric car, a highly economical hybrid and a powerful high-performance car all rolled into one. At the touch of a button, the driver decides how the available power from the combination of the high-performance gasoline engine and the electric motor is to be utilized.

The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is painted in a special white color and the 21-inch wheels enhance the muscular appearance. The interior features unique detailing and colors, such as sober dark-blue leather upholstery and inlays of blue-grey wood.
The instruments have been tailored to give the driver all the necessary information about petrol and electricity consumption, battery charge level, remaining range and so on.

The driver chooses the driving mode via three buttons on the instrument panel. The buttons give the car three distinct temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.

In Pure mode the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible. The operational range is up to 35 miles with zero tailpipe emissions in urban traffic. The range according to the European certification driving cycle NEDC is 45 km.

Hybrid mode is the standard setting whenever the car is started. The gasoline engine and electric motor cooperate to provide maximum driving pleasure with minimum environmental impact. According to the European certification driving cycle NEDC, CO2 emissions are 53 g/km (2.3 l/100 km) - which translates into fuel economy of over 100 mpg. Using the U.S certification standards, which include emissions from the production of the electric energy, the combined fuel economy in continuous driving is 50 mpg. The car has a total operating range of up to 600 miles (960 km).

In Power mode, the technology is optimized to create maximum possible power. The gasoline engine with 280 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb.-ft.) is combined with the electric motor with 70 hp and 200 Nm (148 lb.-ft.). The electric motor's instant torque delivery contributes to the car's acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds).

 The front wheels of the Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept are powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine from the forthcoming VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture) engine family. This engine produces 280 horsepower and maximum torque of 380 Nm (280 lb.-ft.). Power delivery to the wheels comes via a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission. The concept car carries a "T8" badge, which emphasizes the combined 350 horsepower of the high-performance four-cylinder engine and the electric motor.

The electric four-wheel drive in the Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is activated by pressing the AWD (All Wheel Drive) button. Instead of the mechanical power transfer of conventional four-wheel drive, the central control unit distributes power between the gasoline-driven front wheels and the electrically driven rear axle.
The electric four-wheel drive system has been designed to provide better traction when starting and when driving on slippery roads, for instance in snow or mud.

The rear axle of the Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is driven by an electric motor producing 70 horsepower. It is supplied with power from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the floor of the load compartment.
The battery pack is recharged from a regular power outlet, at home or at a parking place. Recharging time varies with the current. If 220V is available a full charge with 12A takes just 3.5 hours. With 110V/12A a full charge takes 7.5 hours.

The Volvo Sensus infotainment system in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept keeps the driver constantly updated on everything that makes the journey simpler, more efficient and more entertaining. The driver also can connect to the car via a mobile phone application.

A few examples of available information:

• Best route to the destination .
• Low Emission Zones
• Charging stations with access to renewable electricity.
• Locations along the route with access to quick-charging facilities.
• Mobile application

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Opel Experimental Vehicle

Opel Experimental Vehicle

Designer: KISKA in cooperation with Opel

This futuristic EV is Opel’s premier aim at delivering electric mobility that’s affordable for everyone. The Rak e is made entirely of recyclable, synthetic material and weighs only a third the weight of a modern car. The Rak E offers zero-emission driving and can travel 61 miles on a single 3 hour charge. The “inside-out” design approach dictated the unique form which features exposed rear wheels and a fighter plane-like cockpit fit with information displays and infotainment.

Source: Yanko Design

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Students Design an All-Electric Lincoln Continental for 2025

 All-Electric Lincoln Continental

At the 2012 Detroit Auto , Lincoln put on display the MKZ Concept to preview both the looks of its soon to be launched mid-size sedan as well the brand's new styling direction.

But FoMoCo isn't the only one to present a design concept for a future Lincoln as the Lawrence Tech University had its own proposal in the form of a quarter-scale model for a pure-electric Continental for 2025.

The study for a luxury sedan model is the work of Lawrence Tech students Colin Bonathan and Jeeho Cha and it was endorsed by the Ford Motor Company.

It all started in the summer of 2011 when Bonathan and Cha came up with plans for a Lincoln concept as part of their undergraduate degree program in transportation design. The university said that Ford officials liked the concept so much that they commissioned the quarter-scale model for display at the Detroit event.

Bonathan, who was responsible for the exterior design, says that he began by choosing the desired wheelbase length and then placed the occupants, the electrical system and other components in the Continental study before finalizing the design.

His partner Cha created the interior of the Lincoln concept model. It was his first take on designing the cabin of an automobile. "I like doing interiors more now. It’s not just one form, but several forms that have to be designed in a cohesive way. There are more problems to solve,” said Cha.

Photo Credits: Colin Bonathan via Lawrence Tech

Story Source: Carscoop

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Smart for-us Concept

Smart for-us Concept

The smart for-us Concept is small, agile and does not need any petrol thanks to its electric drive. This model, which builds on the smart forspeed and smart forvision concepts presented in 2011, celebrates its world premiere at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. With its state-of-the-art electric drive with a 55 kW magneto-electric motor,  the zero-emission smart for-us is agile and lively to drive.

Smart CEO Dr. Annette Winkler says "We at smart love pick-ups - if they are small on the outside, large on the inside, very safe and extremely comfortable. With the smart for-us a petrol station is no longer required!"

It has ample room for two people, but it also has space behind for two smart ebikes, which can charge their batteries on the cargo area during the journey. The smart for-us safely transports two people and two electric bikes without producing any emissions.

It has a surprising, sassy and robust appearance - but thanks to the visible tridion safety cell and a number of other features it is typically smart. It features convex and sensuously shaped body surfaces. The large brand emblem is proudly sported on the grille, and the front has a pronounced three-dimensional design with an underride guard finishing off the lower part of the front end.

The for-us is raised by 50 millimetres as against the standard smart, and demonstrates that it is perfectly suited to off-road driving. In a later development stage the electric drive could be extended in the direction of a 4x4 with two front wheel hub motors.

The smart for-us rolls on Michelin off-road tyres measuring 235/55 R 18. The wing nuts of the central mounts of the three-spoke wheels are an attractive detail: they fold out and then serve as a lever to release the wheel nuts.

The design of the rhombic front and tail lights is very striking with its outer rings illuminating the indicators and daytime running lamps with a large number of rod-shaped LEDs.
The tailboard at the rear of the smart for-us is electrically driven. Remote control or touching the integrated touchpad retracts the cargo floor including tailboard by 280 mm, and the tailgate then slides down in a parallel position. The cargo on the 900 mm cargo area is then extremely easy to access.

It features a high-gloss white metallic paintwork with the tridion cell in a grey textured finish ,and a honeycomb structure of the air inlets. The subtle colour accents in a warm yellow establish a further visual link to the interior.

The white metallised leather establishes a link to the instrument panel, which in turn is related to the body. The headrests featuring metallic leather are a reference to the matt-finish textured paint of the tridion safety cell and - in line with the clean design - they largely dispense with seams.

The control and display elements are oriented to the driver. In place of a conventional rear-view mirror the smart for-us features a smartphone accommodated in a holder on top of the instrument panel support. The driver can see what is happening on the road behind with the help of an integrated video camera. The seat shells, which are open in the middle, are covered with a soft fabric throw giving them a hammock-like seating feel.

It is powered 55 kW magneto-electric motor with 130 Newton metres of torque  and its maximum speed exceeding 120 km/h. and not forgetting the  17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery which can be charged in eight hours maximum charging time.

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2012 Nissan e-NV200 Concept

2012 Nissan e-NV200 Concept

The versatile and highly acclaimed NV200 light commercial vehicle won the 2010 International Van of the Year award for Nissan, as well as the 2011 Universal Design Award from Universal Design GMbH, an organization dedicated to promoting the convergence of design and the emerging importance of customer needs. On top of those, it received the CDV of the 2010 Year award in China, while also establishing its presence in Japan as segment leader with a wide-ranging lineup that includes a taxi version.

The Nissan e-NV200 Concept's EV-style identity starts with its front "face." The wide hood is accented by a large central charging port door, the blue-accented Nissan badge, and sweeping headlights with LED illuminated accents. The exterior is highlighted by the interaction of the strong main character lines and its broad body surfaces. Large front windows and long rear greenhouse combine with a pair of large glass roof panels to create an airy, open interior environment. The exterior is painted in a customized color, following the concept of the Nissan LEAF's Aqua Blue, which expresses a sense of environmental friendliness.

Inside, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept interior depicts a clean, modern Nissan EV identity through use of the EV meters, blue colored accents and bright interior color palette, while also retaining the NV200's strong functional feeling. The Nissan e-NV200 Concept interior also features advanced telematics and a flat C-cluster display that resembles and responds to user input like a tablet computer.
Interior features include a spacious cargo area to accommodate luggage for four passengers, sliding doors with entry step and grab handles for easy entry and exit, passenger-controlled rear-seat heat/air conditioning with a Grape Polyphenol filter to improve cabin air quality, enhanced interior materials intended to help passenger cabin smell fresher, and breathable, anti-microbial, easy-to-clean and environmentally friendly seat upholstery.

"The Nissan e-NV200 Concept is a standout design, sharing the iconic EV look established by the Nissan LEAF but in a modern, active, functional commercial vehicle form," said Murakami. "Inside, it offers a smart, convenient cockpit along with an EV feel and an easy-operational interface."

Silent, zero emission power is supplied is by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 207 lb-ft (280 N-m/rpm) of torque. Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, the motor delivers 100% of its torque from start with immediate response bringing excellent acceleration and smooth, comfortable driving feel.

As a true global product, the Nissan NV200 is produced in Japan, Europe and China, and is currently available in 40 countries. Future launches are planned for North America and India. Undoubtedly its most visible role to date will begin in late 2013

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eMO EV concept by Tata Technologies

eMO EV

US$20,000

Tata Technologies has unveiled its eMO EV(eMO stands for "Electric MObility study," ) concept car, that is designed  as - a study in practical, cost-effective electric city/urban transportation.

The eMO was designed in a collaboration between engineers from Tata's four international centers of excellence, located in Pune (India), Detroit, Coventry, and Stuttgart. They sought to minimize its exterior footprint while maximizing interior space, which resulted in a car that can seat four adults, or that can carry cargo with the back seats folded down.

Additional features include nine air bags, a full steel safety cage, a dashboard touchscreen interface, and easy-access rear suicide doors (combined with forward-opening front doors), like those on the Honda Element.

It also reportedly has more aerodynamic surfaces and shorter overhangs than conventional internal combustion-powered vehicles, its assembly process forgoes traditional painting methods for mold-in colored body panels, and it incorporates recycled building materials.

eMO EV/pic (4)

Power is provided by an air-cooled 18.4-kW lithium-ion battery, coupled to a liquid-cooled, dual-motor, front-wheel-drive system which is said to be good for at least 250,000 miles (402,336 km) of use. This combination gives it a range of 100 miles (161 km) per charge, and a top speed of 65 mph (105 km/h). Stopping is handled by front disc and rear drum antilock brakes with electronic stability control, while an electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion system takes care of steering.

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HONDA NSX supercar Concept

HONDA NSX  supercar Concept

Developed  by Honda's design studios in California and Japan, the new NSX is a svelte-looking supercar with an exciting purpose: it heralds Honda's new supercar. The new NSX, standsfor New Sports Experimental and Honda is equipping its newcomer with a hybrid powertrain.

Like the prior NSX, the new NSX is now believed to have a V6 engine of around 3.5 litre capacity, producing in the vicinity of a 400 bhp in total. The NSX's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive™) hybrid system will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems.

The car uses all-new direct-injection VTEC V6 linked to a dual clutch transmission and uses an electric motor drive unit and a bilateral torque-adjustable control system to generate positive or negative torque to the front wheels during cornering.

Takanobu Ito, president and CEO of Honda who led the development of Honda’s first NSX supercar, said: 'Like the first NSX, we will again express high performance through engineering efficiency. In this new era, even as we focus on the fun to drive spirit of the NSX, I think a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities.'

In a surprise move, he also announced the new NSX would be developed and built in a new facility in Ohio, US by Honda R&D Americas, with production set to begin before 2015.

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Honda EV-STER (First Look)

Honda EV-STER

Announced at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show,  Honda's EV-STER Concept  is being described as "a next-generation compact EV sports model, fun to drive while achieving excellent environmental performance." It is an all-electric vehicle that combines the pleasure of driving with zero CO2 emissions.

The new EV-STER Concept is made of carbon materials that help reduce the vehicle’s total weight contributing to the vehicle's high driving performance and range of approximately 160km. It is powered by an electric engine combined with a RWD system and a 10kWh lithium-ion battery that ensure a driving range of approximately 100 miles. The concept will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds and will be capable of a top speed of 100 mph.

Honda EV-STER Pic(2)

The instrument panel features not only meters, but also the vehicle information display which provides network display used for the audio and navigation systems and  internet access. Furthermore, it enables the driver to make his/her own adjustments to some vehicle characteristics such as motor output and suspension settings,

Honda CEO Takanobu Ito has said that the roadster is headed to production and could be offered as early as next year in both standard gasoline and electric powertrains

Key specifications

• Vehicle length: 3,570mm
• Vehicle width: 1,500mm
• Vehicle height: 1,100mm
• Wheelbase: 2,325mm
• Maximum speed: 160km/h
• Acceleration 0-60km/h: 5.0 sec
• Maximum range: Approximately 160km (JC08 mode)
• Battery: 10kWh lithium-ion battery
• Maximum battery output: 58kW
• Charging time
• 200V: under 3 hours
• 100V: under 6 hours

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39 inches long electric Boxx scooter

Boxx scooter

Price: $3,995

Recently revealed, this 39 inches long machine is an all-wheel-drive electric commuter scooter that uses its small size and shape to its advantage.
Features and specs:

• weighs 120 lbs
• Speed is limited to 28-35 miles per hour  .
• Range is given as 20 miles in standard mode, 40 with Eco setting engaged
• an optional battery upgrade
• Charging takes four hours

The first 100 units are designated the "Designer Signature Series" and owners will receive free software and hardware upgrades and other benefits.

_____________________
News Source: Boxx Corp

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Lit Motors' C-1 electric motorcycle

Lit Motors' C-1 electric motorcycle

Initial price : US$24,000 ( 2013)

It's a proposed fully-enclosed two-passenger electric motorbike that uses an electronically-controlled gyroscopic stabilizing system to stay upright when stopped, or even when struck from the side in an accident.
Still under development, Lit Motors C-1 electric motorcycle  will incorporate electric hub motors in both wheels, at least one of those motors being a high-performance Remy HVH unit. The top speed should be at least 120 mph (193 km/h), with driving range for the higher-end model expected to sit at around 150 to 220 miles (241 to 354 km) per charge, depending on the exact size of the battery.
While the C-1's light weight, aerodynamic shape and low rolling resistance should allow it to get decent mileage, KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) technology will also help in that department.

Lit Motors' C-1 electric motorcycle top view

With the self-balancing Thrustcycle SRT, kinetic power can be used to assist in spinning up the flywheels for stability and to deliver power back to the drivetrain when the vehicle is accelerating, giving the battery pack a break.
The flywheels will be located beneath the vehicle's floor, and should generate over 1,300 lb/ft (1,763 Nm) of torque in the final, commercial model.
The vehicle will  utilize various connectivity protocols to stay in contact with the internet to allow its driver to be aware of factors such as traffic, construction, adverse weather conditions,  alternate routes where applicable

Lit Motors' C-1 electric motorcycle back view

Different versions of the C-1 will be available for different markets. The model aimed at First World countries will have an 8-10 kilowatt-hour battery pack, while a model intended for developing nations will be rated at about 4-6 kWh.
Lit Motors is based out of San Francisco, and is headed up by industrial/automotive designer Daniel Kim.

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