Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Green Car Journal Finalists for Vision Award

A lot of automotive awards are criticized for honoring vehicles not yet available to the public. Green Car Journal gets around that with its Green Car Vision Award that honors a future vehicle coming to market. The five finalists have been announced.






More on this link:     Green Car Journal Finalists for Vision Award

Monday, December 27, 2010

CITROEN C-ZERO COMING TO CROATIA IN JUNE 2011.

First foreign 100% electric car is coming to Croatia. A product of Citroen and French innovative thinking, C-ZERO could be the real city solution as of June 2011. The price will be around 200.000 HR kuna which is a lot but this investment will pay off soon without need for high priced gas consumption and possible government bonus for electric vehicles. 

Bellow is how Citroen itself describes C-ZERO:
 
Zero fuel consumption, zero CO2 emissions and zero noise: with the C-ZERO, Citroën is broadening its compact vehicle range with a 100% electric solution. The new city car was designed to make urban mobility easier, with its compact dimensions, rapid charge, and sufficient range for day-to-day car journeys. And all this in a silence that makes occupants forget about the noise of the city. The C-ZERO is a real concentrate of technology and creativity that meets tomorrow's challenges today!

Having already produced more than 5,500 electric vehicles, Citroën has the experience vital to being a frontrunner in a market segment that is set to grow significantly in the coming years.

Set for launch in last-quarter 2010, the C-ZERO, developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, is the brand's second electric vehicle alongside Berlingo First Electric, developed with Venturi. In France, both these models qualify for the government bonus of 5,000 euros.

AN OFFERING CONSISTENT WITH CITROËN POLICY

Long committed to a policy of reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, Citroën, a leading environmental carmaker, is adding the C-ZERO to a range that already features a wealth of environmentally-respectful products.
Current Citroën achievements:
  • C3 and DS3 models emitting 99 g/km of CO2 will be available from launch
  • More than 30% of Citroën vehicles sold emit less than 120 g/km of CO2
Upcoming technologies:
  • Widespread application of second-generation Stop & Start system in 2010
    • Launch of a full-hybrid vehicle, the DS5, in 2011


      100% ELECTRIC VEHICLE

    The Citroën C-ZERO is a full-electric vehicle powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 47 kW or 64 bhp EEC from 3,000 to 6,000 rpm. Maximum torque of 180 Nm is available from 2,000 rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear axle via a single-speed reduction gear.
    The motor is powered by a latest-generation 330-volt lithium-ion battery system comprising 88 50-Ah cells (for onboard energy of 16 kWh) mounted in the centre of the vehicle.

    Lithium-ion technology keeps battery weight down compared with conventional technology while offering equivalent performance. It is also resistant to partial charges, which have no incidence on battery longevity.

    EASY TO CHARGE, EASY TO USE

    Recharging the C-ZERO’s batteries is child's play. Owners simply plug the supply cord into a 220-volt socket. A complete charge lasts six hours, while an 80% charge is possible in just 30 minutes using an external station with a single-phase current of 125 A at 400 V, for power of up to 50 kWh.
    Using the car is equally simple. When the driver turns the ignition key a beep confirms that the car is running. Citroën C-ZERO drives like a regular car with an automatic gearbox.
    The traditional fuel gauge is replaced by a battery charge indicator.


    PERFORMANCE AND FEATURES FOR PRESENT-DAY NEEDS

    Driving today is characterised, in the week, by short journeys of less than 40 km on average, with a full 70% of trips under 30 km.
    The Citroën C-ZERO is perfectly adapted to the needs of all kinds of companies – including government, local authorities and company fleets – and also to those of private customers looking for a vehicle with exceptionally low running costs. With four real seats (thanks to a 2.55-m wheelbase) and a 166-litre boot, the C-ZERO is impressively quiet to drive and boasts a plethora of comfort and safety equipment. Original-fit features include power steering, ABS, TCS, ESP, power windows, six airbags, air conditioning and an autonomous telematics box for the emergency call system.

    A CITY CAR AT EASE ON THE OPEN ROAD

    The C-ZERO’s compact exterior dimensions, at 3.48 m long, and 9-m turning circle make it a cinch to nip in and out of city traffic. And with a top speed of 130 kph and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 15 seconds and 60-90 km/h in six seconds, along with a range of around 130 km over a standard combined cycle, it is also fully at ease out on the open road. In France, 70% of daily car trips made in the week are under 30 km, for an overall average of 40 km.   

    Source: Citroen Press

Nissan Delivers First Leaf in the USA


Nissan brings sustainable mobility to Tennessee with arrival of the state's first all-electric Nissan LEAF, following last week's deliveries in Northern and Southern California, Arizona, Oregon and Seattle. Nashville's Jeff Heeren took delivery of his silver Nissan LEAF SL today at Action Nissan of Nashville. This groundbreaking moment represents the state's first delivery of an affordable, mass-market, all-electric car.

Heeren, who lives with his wife and children in Nashville, is the owner of NumberGarage.com, a virtual telephone company. His wife, Ashley, works with the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation, a non-profit organization that works to conserve Tennessee's state lands.

"Electricity is the new fuel for cars, and the Nissan LEAF has the potential to transform the automotive industry and the way people drive," said Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas. "Starting today, drivers in Nashville have the freedom to choose a future that produces zero tailpipe emissions, moves away from our dependence on fossil fuels, and represents the end of trips to the gas station. This Nissan LEAF delivery signifies the dawn of a movement that brings sustainable mobility to within our grasp."

Nissan in July 2008 announced that it was entering into a partnership with the State of Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley Authority to foster the development of electric vehicle-friendly policies and an EV charging infrastructure. This collaboration was the first of its kind in the United States and has served as a model for other markets across the nation.

"Just as Nissan has been working to put electric vehicles on the roads of Tennessee, TVA has been helping develop the infrastructure and technology to fuel them," said Anda Ray, TVA's senior vice president of Environment and Technology. "Early in 2011, TVA will unveil the first of its many planned solar-assisted charging stations in the state. We are moving forward with research, planning and electric systems that will help power the future of transportation."

"As an original member of Governor Bredesen's Zero Emission Mobility Project with Renault-Nissan, we recognize the value electric transportation will bring to our state and our role as the new fuel provider," said Decosta Jenkins, President and CEO, Nashville Electric Service. "We've made a commitment to our rate payers to continue providing the most reliable electric service at the lowest possible cost. We look forward to working with our residential and commercial customers as they transition to electric transportation."

Nashville and Tennessee comprise a primary launch market for the Nissan LEAF, as well as a participant in The EV Project, a research and charging infrastructure deployment project. The largest of its kind ever undertaken, The EV Project is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and administered by electric-vehicle charging company ECOtality.

"Thanks to Nissan's industry leadership, Middle Tennessee stands poised to benefit environmentally and economically as electric vehicles take root in the marketplace," Nashville Mayor Karl Dean said. "In addition, the selection of our region to participate in the EV Project places us firmly on the cutting edge of the renewable energy movement. We are part of a very select group, and soon will be one of only a few communities in the United States to have a critical mass of publicly-accessible EV charging infrastructure."

The Nashville delivery marks the culmination of more than a week of festivities, as Nissan delivers the first Nissan LEAF vehicles to each of its primary launch markets in Northern and Southern California, Arizona, Oregon, Seattle and Tennessee. Nissan also is donating $25,000 to the World Wildlife Fund to mark the occasion.

The initial Nissan LEAF deliveries are followed by a second shipment of Nissan LEAF electric cars, which arrived on Dec. 20 and are destined for consumer driveways in time for the holidays. Nissan is on track for a nationwide launch of the Nissan LEAF by 2012, with Hawaii and Texas next to roll out in early 2011. In order to fulfill interest and meet demand in initial launch markets, Nissan plans to reopen reservations in the first half of 2011 as well as shift timing of additional markets until the second half of 2011.

Source: Nissan

Jay Leno picks up his Chevrolet Volt



Never one to miss the opportunity for a pithy quote, petrolhead extraordinaire Jay Leno has come up trumps again whilst taking delivery of his new 2011 Chevrolet Volt.

"Electricity is like sex. People lie about it," quipped Leno, referring to how owners are occasionally inclined to add a few more inches... SORRY! miles... to their vehicle's range than is actually the case.

It's not one of Leno's better one-liners and we'd be the first to point out that electric car range seems almost infinitely variable depending on the type of car, the type of driving and the type of driver. Not dissimilar then, to regular internal combustion vehicles. Leno appears though to have been referring more to electricity's usefulness for going longer distances than specifically having a dig at EV drivers.

Perhaps electric car owners do over-state their range sometimes though, maybe as a way to reassure others that range anxiety need not be an issue? We'd certainly forgive them that, given how pessimistic milage ratings from the EPA for cars like the 2011 Nissan LEAF are. In our experience (no lies here, Jay...) the LEAF can realistically achieve the 100 miles that Nissan claim it can rather than the 73 of the EPA test, though we're yet to test it in colder conditions. Nissan reckons many drivers will beat the EPA's claims.

Back to Leno's Chevy Volt, which the chat-show host says will actually be used as his daily driver, rather than sitting amongst his massive car collection in Burbank, California. For a man with so many incredible cars to choose from, this is a nice vote of confidence in the Volt. It's also a show of confidence in the American car industry, commenting that he's buying it for the U.S. technology and because it's built in Detroit.



Source: [USA Today]
http://www.allcarselectric.com/blog/1052829_jay-leno-takes-delivery-of-volt-offers-up-a-soundbite

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas!

Dear Green Motion Planet readers, 

I wish you all Happy and Merry Christmas 
and prosperous and green New Year!

Svemir Vranko
founder

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Monday, December 20, 2010

HOME movie

TO DEBATE AND TAKE ACTION  http://www.goodplanet.org/en
More information on :
http://www.goodplanet.info

We are living in exceptional times. Scientists tell us that we have 10 years to change the way we live, avert the depletion of natural resources and the catastrophic evolution of the Earth's climate. The stakes are high for us and our children. Everyone should take part in the effort, and HOME has been conceived to take a message of mobilization out to every human being. For this purpose, HOME needs to be free. A patron, the PPR Group, made this possible. EuropaCorp, the distributor, also pledged not to make any profit because Home is a non-profit film. HOME has been made for you : share it! And act for the planet.

Yann Arthus-Bertrand, GoodPlanet Fundation President

HOME is a carbon offset movie

Subtitles : http://www.goodplanet.org/I...

PPR is proud to support HOME
http://www.ppr.com

Home Trailer

The Citroen Ev'ie by The Electric Car Corporation

All-electric Citroën C1 ev'ie goes on sale in UK

A new, four-seat all-electric car is about to go on sale in the UK. Based on the Citroën C1, the Citroën C1 ev'ie is converted to electric power by the Electric Car Corporation Plc. ECC is accepting orders for the £16,850 vehicle starting tomorrow. What do you get for your hard earned pounds? A driving range of between 60 and 70 miles and a top speed of 60 mph. A full charge takes about 6-7 hours from a standard domestic 13 amp socket and costs 90p. Those numbers should appeal to at least 500 people in the next year - that's the amount that ECC expects to build in the coming 12 months, with a conversion schedule of between 2,000 and 4,000 vehicles in 2010. 


The ECC is made up of British auto industry veterans, including people who have worked at Ricardo, Jaguar and Ford. Details after the jump. 


Source ECC


PRESS RELEASE:

The Electric Car Corporation Plc launches the Citroën C1 ev'ie

The UK's first 4 seater 'all electric' production car


The Electric Car Corporation Plc (ECC) announces the launch of the UK's first 4 seater, 'all electric' production car, which is available to buy today.

The launch coincides with the Government's announcement to support and subsidise electric car use and their commitment to make the UK 'a world leader' in producing and exporting electric cars. This is further supported by the London Mayor, Boris Johnson, who has announced his plan to introduce 25,000 'juice points' (charging stations), for electric cars throughout the city.

Called the Citroën C1 'ev'ie', this is the first all electric, 4 seater car, to offer the purchaser the comfort, performance and a full range of standard safety features expected from a petrol car. With a range of 60-70 miles when fully charged and a top speed of around 60mph, it provides the driver with a pleasant and completely "normal", yet silent, driving experience, but at a fraction of the running costs.

The C1 ev'ie can be fully charged in 6-7 hours from a domestic 13 amp socket at a cost of around 90p, making it an ideal city car for either professional or domestic use. 

The Citroën C1 ev'ie is assembled in the UK from the donor car. Over 50% of the value of the car originates from the UK assembly, creating UK employment and a technology leadership in electric vehicle production. ECC expects to produce around 500 C1 ev'ies over the next 12 months, rising to between 2,000 and 4,000 units in 2010, dependant upon demand and government support.

Xavier Duchemin, Managing Director of Citroën UK commented, "We are committed to providing greener alternatives for motorists and are delighted to be supplying ECC with C1s for this exciting project."

David Martell, Chief Executive, ECC plc, added, "We believe this is the first serious alternative to a petrol or diesel car. It drives just like a petrol car and has excellent capacity for use in any town or city in the UK".... he continued ..."the key to building a successful electric car is an efficient battery management system (BMS). ECC has developed an advanced and sophisticated system, which when coupled with regenerative breaking, can provide the driver with much greater range and better performance."

The C1 ev'ie is way ahead of other electric cars having excellent functionality, performance and refinement and is available to buy today. Interest in the C1 ev'ie is expected to be high.

It is priced at £16,850 and is available directly from ECC (www.eccplc.com).

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Nissan Leaf vs. the Chevy Volt

Nissan unveils all-electric Leaf car

2011 Nissan Leaf


Source: 

The 2011 Nissan Leaf is an all-new model.

Introduction

Forget about answering the question "Who killed the electric car?" That's because Nissan is bringing the electric car back from the dead. Sure, the Tesla Roadster has made the electric car cool again, but the 2011 Nissan Leaf is the first, full-electric mainstream vehicle to be put on sale for the American consumer. Unlike past electric cars (including the GM EV1), the Leaf can be purchased outright instead of leased, so there's no being forced to give it back to the manufacturer after two years to be studied and then destroyed.
The Leaf stores its power in a lithium-ion battery pack, making it one of the first vehicles to use this advanced battery technology. Lithium-ion batteries promise better acceleration and range than comparably sized nickel-metal hydride ones. Nissan says recharging at home with a special 220-volt charger will take 4-8 hours. A commercial quick-charge station can do it in about 30 minutes. Fully charged, the Leaf is estimated to have an effective range of about 100 miles.
Of course, 100 miles is about a third of the cruising range available in a conventional car, so the Leaf's primary drawback is readily apparent. Unlike a plug-in hybrid like the Chevy Volt, there's no backup gasoline engine to keep you moving once the Leaf's batteries are depleted. Instead, you'll be stuck with a rather lengthy recharging engagement, and that's if you manage to reach an available electricity source in time. Our take is that the Leaf is best suited for drivers doing a lot of routine commuting or making shorter trips, as well as owners with a two-car household and a garage.
For all that, the 2011 Nissan Leaf promises to be a very useful vehicle. A Leaf will hit the register with a price tag of about $25,000 after a $7,500 federal tax credit (residents of certain states are eligible for additional credits as well). Buyers are advised to purchase the $2,200 home-charging station, but even this piece of hardware has its own tax rebate of 50 percent. The Leaf's running costs should also be appealing, since the cost of recharging should be a fraction of what you'd pay for a tank of gasoline.
An electric car is definitely not for everyone. Long-distance commuters, one-car households and apartment dwellers interested in a fuel-efficient or green-oriented car should instead consider a Chevrolet Volt, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Toyota Prius (be it the regular version or new plug-in hybrid), or even a Volkswagen Golf TDI diesel. But for those who have been waiting to buy a real electric car, the arrival of the 2011 Nissan Leaf is a revolutionary event.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Nissan Leaf is an all-electric four-door hatchback available in SV and SL trim levels.
Standard equipment on the SV includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, keyless ignition/entry, full power accessories, cruise control, automatic climate control, height-adjustable driver seat, tilt-only steering wheel and 60/40-split-folding rear seats. Also included are cloth upholstery made from recycled materials, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, an advanced trip computer, a navigation system and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
The Leaf SL adds a spoiler-mounted solar panel, automatic headlamps, foglamps, a rearview camera and a cargo cover.
Additionally, every Leaf comes standard with Nissan Connection, a remote vehicle access system that reports battery recharging data and can activate the climate control via a cell phone. Optional are a home charging station and a quick-charge port, which allows for charging to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes at a public charging station.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2011 Nissan Leaf is powered by an 80-kilowatt synchronous electric motor fed by a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Output is 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. At the same time, the power delivery of an electric vehicle is vastly different from that of gasoline, diesel or even hybrid vehicles, so take the Leaf's power ratings with a grain of salt.
Nissan estimates a range of 100 miles, but this depends on driving style, traffic conditions, cruising speed and battery age. In fact, even ambient temperature plays a role in determining cruising range, because extreme temperatures are detrimental for battery performance. The EPA has given the Leaf an energy efficiency equivalent rating (MPG-e) of 106 mpg city/92 mpg highway and 99 mpg combined and an estimated driving range of 73 miles.

Safety

The 2011 Nissan Leaf comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. A rearview camera is optional on the SL.

Interior Design and Special Features

Because the Leaf's battery pack resides under the floor beneath the seats, the rear seat is quite comfortable for adults. The front seat provides no shortage of space for even tall drivers and the seats themselves are quite supportive and comfortable, though the vehicle's short range makes sure they'll never be enjoyed during a long-haul road trip. The cargo area is on the small side for a hatchback, however, and even when you fold the rear seats, the cargo floor is not flat.
The Leaf's cabin is dominated by a split-level instrument cluster similar to that of the Honda Civic. The center control panel features a touchscreen, which controls the standard navigation system as well as special features like cruising range. You can even program the start time for the recharging system to take advantage of lower rates for electricity. Interior quality is about the same as other economy hatchbacks, but overall fit and finish is noticeably a cut above.

Driving Impressions

Anyone who has driven or at least stood next to a hybrid will know how quiet it is when operating in electric-only mode. It can be eerie or cool, depending on your point of view. With the 2011 Nissan Leaf, its serenity never ceases, and you can detect only a high-pitched whine under heavy throttle. This quiet creates the adverse side effect of making wind and road noise more noticeable at highway speeds, but overall the Leaf is impressively quiet.
As an electric car, the Leaf benefits from an abundance of torque available from the first touch of the accelerator pedal. The Leaf feels sprightly and gets up to speed with no drama -- as an urban runabout, it certainly excels. Press on the brakes and the pedal is firm and sure, without the sort of strange, vague feel indicative of most regenerative braking systems.
With its battery pack mounted low in the body and a well-tuned electric power steering system, we've been pleasantly surprised by how well the Leaf takes turns. Its responsiveness is typical of that seen in other well-engineered compact family cars, and in most ways the Leaf feels pretty normal to drive.

The top of the pops EV charger

When it come s to owning an electric car the most important thing is to have it charged and ready for your next busy day or a weekend escape...