The Progressive Automotive X-Prize is heating up as the May 2010 start date approaches, and one of our favorite entrants is the eVARO, a three-wheeled plug-in hybrid from Future Vehicles Technology. The sleek electric vehicle can go from 0 to 60 MPH in 5 seconds and purportedly reaches 275 mpg under certain conditions. And for those times when there isn’t a gas station in site, the eVARO can cruise for up to 90 miles on pure battery power.
We’ve see plenty of great green concept cars at this week’s Tokyo Motor Show, but Yamaha might take the prize for the best-looking two-wheeler with its new EC-f electric motorcycle. Designed to make motorcycling attractive to riders of all ages and experience levels, the vehicle features a lightweight aluminum frame, a long-lasting lithium ion battery, and a 0.6 kWh electric motor.
The problem with most electric vehicle charging stations is that you never know where your electricity is coming from–and unfortunately it’s often arriving courtesy of a dirty coal plant. Luckily, the prefab SunPods SP-300 EV Plug-N-Go solar charging station, installed this week in San Jose, CA, changes that by reassuring EV drivers that their power is coming straight from the sun.
Electric vehicles already attract attention on the street, but if you really want to get noticed, consider buying the Cupcake Car, a tasty-looking automobile designed by Bay Area artist Lisa Pongrace. It’s certainly one way to drive your efficient vehicle and eat it too (although it’s not actually edible, so you probably want to hold off on that).
Students at MIT recently announced that they are developing an extended range electric vehicle capable of achieving the same performance as its gasoline-powered counterparts. Dubbed the elEVen, the electric dream ride is capable of achieving a top speed of over 100 mph, a range of 320km (200 miles) and can completely charge in 10 minutes flat!
Although electric vehicle use is on the rise, we’re certainly not out of the woods yet in terms of providing them with a steady supply of clean energy – that’s why designer Neville Mars has conceived of an incredible EV charging station that takes the form of an evergreen glade of solar trees. His photovoltaic grove serves a dual function, acting as a go-to source for clean renewable energy while providing a shady spot for cars to park as they charge.
Mercedes has confirmed the rumors that have been flying about – they will revive the classic Gullwing Mercedes as an all electric dynamo car. It’s exactly the kind of car James Bond would drive in his next movie if it were available. Not only is it a beautiful update to the classic model, but it’s got the horsepower to back it up – 526 horsepower to be exact. This ain’t your grandpa’s Gullwing – this is the SLS AMG Supercar and is the “exciting future of the super sportscar” if we’ve ever seen it.
Earlier this year we introduced you to Chargepoint, a network of electric vehicle charging stations that have been installed cities across the US and Canada. Well, making a great idea even better, Carbon Day Automotive recently announced the installation of a Solar Powered Chargepoint station in the city of Chicago. Solar charged electric vehicles? Fantastic!
The New York International Auto Show is coming up, and the incredible prototypes are out in full force. First in line is EV Innovations, who will be showing off their gorgeous fully-electric Liv Inizio supercar. The vehicle has a scorching top speed of 150mph and a 200 hundred mile range, which places it in direct competition with the Tesla Roadster.
The trend towards smaller, energy-efficient electric vehicles has created a market that is quickly being filled by young startups. Enter BG Automotive Group, which has recently announced that their mass-produced electric vehicle the C100 has just been approved by the Department of Transportation! Perfect for commuting and daily urban driving, the sprightly vehicle gets an impressive 60-120 miles per charge and will be available for less than $20,000.
If there’s one thing that we never expected to see, it’s the sight of an 8-wheeled electric vehicle attempting to break the land speed record. But that is exactly what the Eliica is attempting to do. Designed by a team at Keio University in Japan, this fully electric lithium-ion vehicle may be short on subtlety, but it has a range of 200 miles and can hit speeds of up to 230mph!
Mazda’s aggressively styled KAAN concept vehicle represents an innovative foray into the future of racing. A finalist in this year’s Design Los Angeles Automobile Design Challenge, the all-electric car envisions a transit system where vehicles are propelled by roadways imbued with “a sub-level electro conductive polymer” powered by solar panel farms in the Mojave desert. The emission-free vehicle sports a sleek aerodynamic profile and is powered by electric motors encased within wheels infused with electric pickups.
Recently Mercedes Benz revealed images of its stunning Formula Zero Racer, a futuristic foray into the next generation of racing. Incorporating elements from luge, yacht, and Formula One vehicles, the zero-emissions racer is propelled by a wind-catching sail in addition to electric motors that are powered by renewable resources. The concept is a tribute to a future where cars will win races based not just upon their speed, but on how energy efficient they are.
This year’s Paris Motor Show has seen many major manufacturers making strident efforts towards smaller, more fuel efficient, and more environmentally sustainable vehicles. The Nissan Nuvu is just such a car, representing the type of vehicle that we will be driving within the next decade: one that is city-smart, compact and all-electric.
Chrysler recently revealed the GEM Peapod, a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle that uses no gasoline and emits no pollutants, making it perfect for city driving. Those of you who read our Car of the Future series may recall that smaller vehicles are more efficient, easier to park, and consume less resources, which makes them strong candidates for the future of personal transportation.
Recently Chrysler revealed a lean green supercar that can hit 0-60mph in five seconds flat! The Dodge EV features an emission-free 200 kW electric motor and has a driving range of 150-200 miles, leaving GM’s Chevy Volt in the dust. The sleek all-electric vehicle is not intended to compete with consumer-oriented cars – it has its sights set on the Tesla Roadster!
Recently General Motors revealed its hope for the future of transportation: a production model of the Chevrolet Volt. The plug-in electric powerhouse will feature a revolutionary propulsion system that will allow it to travel 40 miles without using a single drop of gas – that’s far enough to render 75% of American’s daily commutes emission-free!
TATA Motors first turned heads when they introduced the MDI compressed air car to the Indian market. Now the major auto manufacturer has announced that it will be will be bringing an all-electric vehicle to the masses with their new Indica EV. The hatchback will be able to travel 125 miles on a single 8 hour charge.
Reducing drag is one of the most important considerations in designing an efficient vehicle. Thus when seeking to reinterpret the long-range electric vehicle, designer Martin Aubé of Creative Unit conceived of a sleek shell specially shaped for aerodynamic efficiency. The resulting Hinterland 1 is a cylindrically-shaped four person vehicle defined by its iconic flowing lines and ultra-efficient electric engine.
Already a forerunner in ultra-efficient vehicles, Smart will soon be joining the all-electric charge with its up-and-coming Smart ED. We’re huge fans of the Smart Car for its creative clout and are thrilled by its recent stateside availability, so we can’t wait for an electric version of the diminutive vehicle that proves that smaller is better. Smart’s 100% electric plug-in is more than just a passing prototype, with trials currently taking place in preparation for a 2010 release!
We are big fans of the TV show Mythbusters, so when we found out about their tests pitting gas vehicles against electric vehicles in 5 extreme tests, we couldn’t help but take notice. The myth: gas vehicles better perform better than electric. The truth, according to Mythbusters, is that electric vehicles outperform their gas-powered counterparts. BUSTED !
Following the success of Ultra Motor’s Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) in India and China, this eco and economical form of urban transport is set to go on sale in the U.S. this summer, and in Europe later this year. The 2008 electric bike, the “A2B”, offers the style of a bike with the power of an electric motor, offering ‘unassisted power’ for up to 20miles, with a top speed of 20mph/33kmph.
Our loyal love for the Tesla is being tested by this super sexy and sustainable new sportscar. Hybrid Technologies‘ sleek designed entry to the Automotive X-prize promises to do the one thing that no other car can do: produce a ride that can give you the power of a supercar, with an unmatched efficiency of 220 miles per gallon. Wow, we are definitely being wooed.
We love our green sports cars here at Inhabitat, and we have plenty of room on our favorites list for more than one. While we’ve been raving for the last two years about the Tesla Roadster, the Fisker Karma has been doing the one thing Tesla has yet to do: bring a hybrid sports car to market. Created by noted car designer Henrik Fisker, the ultra cool Karma is a sleek, power packed eco-luxury ride.
Step right in ladies and gentlemen, and gaze at the marvels of modern technology! Allow us to show you the most amazing car of the century: The magnificent Detroit Electric, the car of summer luxury! This 100 year-old antique electric car will be available in early 2009 from ZAP and China Youngman Automotive Group, proving once and for all that there is no such thing as a new idea. The Detroit Electric is considered to be the most popular electric car in history — and was produced by the Anderson Electric Car Company in 1907 (production ran from 1907 to 1939). This cute little EV could go fo 130 miles on one charge, and had a top speed of about 32km/h. Famous Detroit Electric owners included Thomas Edison, Charles Proteus Steinmetz and John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
If you have not yet heard of the battery powered Tesla Roadster, where have you been hiding your sustainable self? We are almost rendered speechless by the awesomeness factor of this amazing electric vehicle, which goes from 0 to 60 mph in four seconds, drives up to 250 miles per charge (which costs under $5) and comes with an aesthetic that not only competes with its luxury brethren – but leaves the stodgy non-electric models in the dust.
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