Electric vehicle production
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This article outlines current projects, plans, productions for meeting ever increasing demand for electric vehicles. Included is each major automotive manufacturer's proposals, specifying range, battery type, motor design (in wheel/CVT), base price and production date due.
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[edit] DaimlerChrysler
On July 12, 2006, the DaimlerChrysler division SMART cars, announced that it would premiere a new Smart Fortwo EV at the British International Motor Show held at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre on 18 July.
The car will be made available on a lease arrangement to selected UK corporate customers with deliveries starting in November 2006. Up to 200 of the electric microcars will be built and delivered to the UK, which will serve as the trial market for the vehicle.
According to the DaimlerChrysler press release, the Smart EV sets a new benchmark in the electric vehicle sector; it has 30 kW output and a top speed of 70 mph. It offers even better in-town performance than its petrol powered stablemate, with 0-30 mph in 6.5 seconds. With a range of up to 72 miles, the Smart EV is exempt from vehicle excise duty and the London congestion charge.
The drive train for the Smart EV is produced in the UK by technology partner Zytek Group who undertake final assembly of the car in Fradley, near Lichfield.
[edit] Honda
Honda's FCX concept vehicle is powered by a front-mounted 80 kW AC electric motor, with 20 kW pancake motors providing supplemental power to the rear wheels. Electrical energy is provided by a 100 kW hydrogen fuel cell, with regenerative braking energy stored in ultracapacitors. Production versions of the FCX are expected to arrive in 2009.
[edit] Miles automotive group
Miles automotive group, a Chinese manufacturer is producing the XS200 electric vehicle, powered by lithium-ion batteries. It has a top speed of 80 mph and a range of 200 miles. The projected price is $28,500 [1]
[edit] Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Motors announced on May 11, 2005 that it will mass-produce its Mitsubishi In-wheel Electric Vehicle (MIEV). Test fleets are to arrive in 2006 and production models could be available in 2010. The first test car, revealed to be Colt EV, is expected to have a range of 93 miles using lithium-ion batteries and in-wheel electric motors. The target price of a MIEV is US$19,000, although no export decision has yet been made.[2]
[edit] Tesla Motors
Tesla Motors, Silicon Valley automobile startup company, unveiled the 185 kW (248 hp) Tesla Roadster on July 20, 2006. Shipment for the supercar is expected to begin during 2007. The Roadster will only be sold in the United States.
[edit] ZAP
ZAP produces several electric vehicles, most notably, the Xebra three-wheel electric vehicle, which is classified as a motorcycle. Top speed is 40 mph, cost about $10,000.[3] According to reports have sold about 200 through USA dealers.
[edit] UK Available Electric Cars
The environment is top of the agenda for all the leading political parties in the UK and Europe and with the continual rising costs of motoring, green vehicles are now more popular than ever. There is therefore now more choice than ever to meet the needs of the environment conscious driver and business. CO2 emissions is now a as much a consideration as mpg and retail price and have to be displayed on all new vehicles like the labelling of the efficieny on white goods. Green Car Site (GreenCarSite.co.uk) contains details and specs for electric Cars including the Revo GoinGreen G-Wiz, NICE MEGA City and Sakura electric cars with reviews of the sport Venturi Fétish and Tesla Motors.
[edit] References
- ^ Miles Automotive
- ^ "Mitsubishi unveils electric car for 2010", Associated Press, MSNBC, May 11, 2005
- ^ Zapworld homepage
