July 2012 ~ Used Car Values

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Calstart Aims To Bring EV Charging To Work

3:00 PM Thomas Ponco No comments

Published July 31, 2012

By Philippe Crowe

Held at Google's Mountain View Campus, Calstart today hosted a workshop aimed at bringing electric vehicle charging infrastructure to workplaces throughout the state.

Keynoted by high-level U.S. Department of Energy representatives, David Sandalow, acting undersecretary of energy and asst. secretary for Policy and International Affairs, and Dr. David Danielson, asst. secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the event served as the starting point for what Calstart aims to make a nationwide campaign to engage employers in the effort to expand the electric vehicle market.

"More than 30 percent of emissions in the U.S. happen due to daily commuters driving gasoline-powered cars," said Calstart President and CEO, John Boesel. "Employers can serve as the 'cavalry' of the EV movement. By installing chargers at the workplace, employers can help extend the effective daily range of an electric vehicle. Electricity is a new fuel that is particularly easy for an employer to support. We are excited about the many employers who want to be leaders in the effort to clean our air and reduce the nation's dependence on oil."

According to Calstart, by implementing EV programs in the workplace, employers are supporting the EV industry by doing the following:

• Extending the effective range of EVs by allowing a second full charge during work hours

• Acting as "showrooms" where employees can see cars being driven to work and learn about them from their colleagues

The new Calstart program launched today, “The EV Employer Initiative,” is focused on supporting existing firms that want to expand their workplace charging efforts, and help other firms learn about the best practices and ways to implement such programs.

As EV infrastructure is being developed in the state, workplace charging was identified as a critical gap in infrastructure by Bay Area Air Quality Management District, South Coast Air Quality Management District and the California Plug-in Vehicle Collaborative, initial funders of the Calstart program.

The goal of the program will be to rapidly expand the number of employer-based EV chargers and programs.

The Calstart program also aims to help employers learn about the real world costs of implementing chargers, how to avoid peak-time electricity rates, and the potential for adding clean distributed energy on-site as a way to reduce the wells-to-wheels emissions of electric vehicles.

The non-profit, headquartered in Pasadena, unveiled its own 84kw solar installation that meets 90 percent of its building's daily electricity needs, including charging four or more electric cars on a daily basis. For more information visit Calstart’s Web site.

Employers throughout the nation are encouraged to participate in the EV Employer Initiative. A new Website for the program, www.evworkplace.org, is under development and will be functioning soon.

Porsche 918 Spyder Shown in Iconic Martini Livery

12:00 PM Thomas Ponco No comments

Published July 31, 2012

By Philippe Crowe

Competition Porsches have been linked to a special white, blue and red paint livery since the 1970s known as the Martini colors because of the namesake’s sponsorship of then very successful Porsche racers.

The Martini Racing stripes quickly attained cult status when they first appeared and are still in vogue today.

Nostalgic of this era? Porsche will allow you, through a special agreement with Martini, to order your 918 ultra-high performance hybrid sporting this unique color scheme.

Martini was the official partner of the Porsche factory team between 1973 and 1978. The attractively designed “Martini Porsche” race cars scored numerous wins and became the center of attention wherever they appeared. Victories included finishing first overall in the Targa Florio, Sicily, in 1973, winning the Sports Car World Championship in 1976 and overall victories at the Le Mans 24 hours in 1976 and 1977. Previously in 1971, a Porsche 917 finished first in the legendary endurance race at Le Mans with the support of Martini. Whether a Porsche 908, 917, 935 or 936 or one of various 911 RS or RSR models, common to all of these race cars was the Martini Racing design implemented in a wide variety of forms.

A new edition of this successful partnership is now making the Martini Racing design exclusively available to the innovative 918 Spyder. Porsche AG and the Martini brand, represented by Bacardi & Company Limited of Switzerland, have once again signed a partnership agreement to make this possible.

Driving trials of the Porsche 918 Spyder are continuing at high speed, and they are doing so in the distinctive, sporting livery of Martini Racing.

A fundamental element of the testing program for the plug-in hybrid super sports car – as is the case in the development process of all Porsche cars – is the 20.8 km Nürburgring-Nordschleife race circuit. Indeed, a lap time of less than seven minutes 22 seconds around the challenging track in the Eifel region of Germany is one of the development goals of the 918 Spyder.

According to Porsche, the 918 Spyder combines a high-performance internal combustion engine with electric motors on the rear and front axles to achieve extraordinary driving performance and excellent efficiency.

The combined system power of the drivetrain is 770 horsepower and the NEDC fuel consumption is forecasted to be only around three liters per 100 km, equivalent to CO2 emissions of about 70 g/km (around 78 mpg).

The monocoque of the 918 Spyder is constructed from carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), which reduces vehicle weight and delivers remarkable rigidity and dynamic precision. Other highlights are fully variable aerodynamics, adaptive rear axle steering and the “top pipes” exhaust system which routes the exhaust upwards at the rear of the car.

The latest test car is now undergoing circuit laps in the legendary Martini Racing colors synonymous with historic Porsche race cars.

Provisional Specifications of the Porsche 918 Spyder :

Body:

Two-seater Spyder; carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) monocoque interlocked with CFRP unit carrier; two-piece Targa roof; fixed roll-over protection system.

Drivetrain:

Parallel full hybrid; 4.6-liter V8 mid-engine with dry-sump lubrication; hybrid module with electric motor and decoupler; electric motor with decoupler and gear unit on front axle; electrical system recuperation; four cooling circuits for motors, transmission and battery; thermal management.

Engine Power:

570 hp (V8 engine)

90 kw (hybrid module on rear axle)

80 kw (electric motor on front axle)

770 hp (combined)

Suspension:

Double-wishbone front axle; electro-mechanical power steering; multi-link rear axle with adaptive electro-mechanical system for individual rear wheel steering; optional electro-pneumatic lift system on front axle.

Brake system:

High-performance hybrid brake system with adaptive recuperation; ceramic brake discs (PCCB)

Lithium-ion battery with 6.8 kwh capacity (BOL nominal), 202 kW maximum power and mains-compatible plug-in charger.

Performance:

Top speed:
Combined power: 325 kph

Purely electric: 150 kph

Acceleration: 0 – 100 kph Under 3.0 seconds

All-electric range: > 25 km

2013 LS 600hL To Define Lexus’ View Of Luxury

9:00 AM Thomas Ponco No comments

Published July 31, 2012

By Philippe Crowe

Lexus unveiled its new flagship yesterday in San Francisco, the new 2013 LS range of luxury sedan.

The 2013 LS line-up includes the LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600hL hybrid, and the first-ever LS 460 F SPORT.

While all models are worth noting, as a green car dedicated Web site, we are most intrigued by the LS 600hL hybrid.

The L at the end of the model’s designation identifies the long wheelbase, the only configuration in which this LS hybrid comes to our shores.

Interestingly, the LS Hybrid is now available with a full-time AWD system. The available AWD system features a central, permanently engaged, Torsen Limited Slip center Differential (LSD) to further enhance grip, traction and cornering stability.

All AWD models feature a heated steering wheel and Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heating elements which warm the front cabin area quickly after vehicle start-up. Windshield de-icer and headlamp washers are standard on AWD models.

Adopting Lexus’ new face and general design language, the LS sports numerous stabilizing fins which help the LS to be one of the most aerodynamically efficient cars in its segment with a coefficient drag of 0.26.

The internal combustion engine is an aluminum 32 valve 5.0 liter V8 with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Electronically controlled intake. This engine produces 389 horsepower on recommended premium 91 octane fuel. It is paired to a water-cooled 650-volt DC permanent magnet electric motor producing 221 horsepower (165 kw).

Electrons come via a sealed nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack is comprised of 240 cells (12 cells x 20 modules) with a nominal voltage of 288 volts.

Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined; curiously the same ratings as the previous model.

The LS 600hL will roll on 245/45R19 all-season tires.

Passengers will be pampered in this luxury sedan. The front is equipped with 16-way power driver seat with auto slide-away and 12-way power front passenger seat; rear passengers will find power rear seats with climate control and lumbar massage and butterfly headrest. Seats are climate-controlled in the front and heated in the rear; a three-position memory system is part of the equipment for driver, front passenger and rear seats.

Increased body rigidity enhances stability, and allows for a more comfortable ride. Pitch and bounce control has been enhanced by adopting new frequency dependent shock absorbers, resulting in an even flatter, road-hugging ride. Revised steering offers improvements in accuracy and turn-in response. The braking system has been adjusted for more immediate power and greater pedal feel.

Available safety enhancements include what Lexus dubs the industry’s most advanced Pre-Collision Safety (A-PCS) system with Collision Avoidance Assist. As the name suggests, this system is designed to assist the driver in avoiding or mitigating collisions with vehicles and pedestrians under a wide range of city and highway speeds. At speeds lower than 24 mph, this technology helps the LS to avoid accidents by automatically bringing the LS to a full stop.

The driver-focused interior integrates modern refinement with intuitive technology. The Advanced Illumination System (AIS), an all-LED interior lighting system, illuminates to greet the approaching occupants and then fades in sequence with the vehicle starting procedure.

The new, available Lexus Climate Concierge offers an incredibly high level of comfort for every LS occupant. The customizable system uses multiple sensors to automatically regulate not only the temperature of the cabin, but also the climate control seats and the heated steering wheel, quickly bringing each occupant to their preferred temperature.

The standard navigation system is displayed on a 12.3-inch, split-screen, high-resolution multi-media display which is large enough to support simultaneous viewing of a large map display and other vehicle functions.

A next-generation Remote Touch, with one-push confirmation, is standard on all models and enables smooth, intuitive control of many vehicle systems. The Remote Touch allows the user to operate the climate, audio, phone controls, navigation system and more. The screen menus are selected with a controller conveniently located within easy reach on the center console. A number of buttons on the steering wheel and instrument panel enable the direct control of frequently used functions (e.g. temperature setting, fan speed, preset audio stations, etc.).

Lexus Enform with App Suite leverages the customers’ mobile phone technology to provide a new level of connectivity and information management. Users can conduct local searches through Bing, utilize voice-enabled apps to make restaurant reservations through OpenTable, get movie tickets via MovieTickets.com, tap into internet radio, including Pandora or iHeartRadio, search business reviews on Yelp and check in on Facebook places. A one-year trial subscription is included for the App Suite.

On top of the regular LS warranty, the LS 600hL’s hybrid-related components will be covered for eight years or 100,000 miles, including the HV battery, battery-control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter.

Pricing information has not yet been revealed and the 2013 LS 600hL will be available later in the year. As a reference, the current 2012 LS 600h L carries an MSRP of $112,750, has a total system horsepower of 438 horsepower and is rated 19 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.

Cadillac "Die Valkyrie" by Brooks Stevens

9:00 AM Thomas Ponco No comments

No technical specification available

(click images for a larger view)

Is Lexus Preparing a Variant to Toyota Prius c?

8:00 AM Thomas Ponco No comments

Published July 31, 2012

By Jeff Cobb

Citing unofficial sources at Lexus, a Malaysian publication is saying that a hybrid based on the Toyota Prius c and possibly a diesel variant are being considered in Europe.

The car would be smaller than the CT200h, and the publication, Paultan, has gone so far as to tentatively assign a name to it – without the customary “h” in the alphanumeric designation – AS150, and create a photoshopped rendition of what a Lexus-badged Prius C could look like.

The other possibility for this same chassis would be a 1.2-liter diesel engined version, says Paultan.

Since the Prius c has Toyota’s best fuel economy average, it could make sense to use its 1.5-liter hybrid synergy drive in a more upscale version. Among reviewers, Consumer Reports has found fault with low grade materials in the littlest Prius and recommends a used regular Prius over a new c, so maybe this could be what the doctor ordered for some buyers.

At this point, these are but rumors until official word from Lexus confirms or denies these reportings “through the grapevine” that the company is preparing competition for cars such as the Audi A1, MINI Cooper, Alfa Romeo MiTo and Citroen DS3.

We’ll let you know when we learn more.

AutoGuide

Chrysler posts Q2 profit of $436 million

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Show full PR text
Chrysler Group Second-Quarter 2012 Net Income Increased to $436 Million

Second-Quarter Modified Operating Profit Increased 49 Percent to $755 Million With Free Cash Flow of $866 Million

Chrysler Group LLC net income was $436 million in the second quarter, a 141 percent improvement over the Adjusted Net Income(a) of $181 million a year ago

Net revenue for the quarter was $16.8 billion, up 23 percent from $13.7 billion a year ago Modified Operating Profit(b) grew to $755 million in the quarter, 49 percent higher than a year earlier

Free Cash Flow(e) for the quarter totaled $866 million; Cash(d) ended the quarter at $12.1 billion compared with $10.2 billion a year ago and $11.3 billion at March 31, 2012

Net Industrial Debt(f) was reduced to $432 million at June 30, 2012, from $2.1 billion a year ago and $1.3 billion at March 31, 2012

Worldwide vehicle shipments were 630,000 in the quarter, up 22 percent from 514,000 a year ago and in line with the full-year target

Worldwide vehicle sales for the second quarter totaled 582,000, up 20 percent from a year ago U.S. market share increased to 11.2 percent for the second quarter, up from 10.6 percent a year ago, driven by a 32 percent increase in U.S. retail sales; market share in Canada was 14.5 percent

Production of the all-new, fuel-efficient 2013 Dodge Dart started in Belvidere, Ill. and the vehicle is arriving in dealer showrooms now

Auburn Hills, Mich. , Jul 30, 2012 - Chrysler Group LLC today reported its preliminary second-quarter financial results, including net income of $436 million, an $806 million improvement from the $370

million net loss in the same quarter last year, which had included a $551 million charge related to repayment of its government loans. Excluding the charge, net income increased $255 million, or 141 percent, period over period, as the Company continues to achieve its business targets and improve sales across all brands.

"Our results reflect a tireless pursuit by the people of Chrysler Group to deliver the very best quality and value across our brands," said Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler Group LLC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Together, we are always striving to achieve more, to learn from the past and build upon our successes. Nowhere is our dedication more evident than in the all-new Dodge Dart, with up to 41 mpg highway and levels of customization not typically found in the compact car segment."

Revenue for the quarter was $16.8 billion, up 23 percent from $13.7 billion in the second quarter of 2011, primarily driven by a 22 percent period-over-period increase in shipments. For the first six months, the Company recorded net income of $909 million on revenue of $33.2 billion.

The Company recorded a Modified Operating Profit of $755 million, or 4.5 percent of revenue, in the second quarter, up 49 percent from the $507 million reported in the prior year. The increase was attributable to strong volume and pricing, partially offset by unfavorable mix as we increased sales of cars versus trucks and SUVs, enhanced vehicle content and increased research-and-development spending for new models. Modified Operating Profit for the first half of the year was $1.5 billion.

News Source: Chrysler, Automotive News - sub. req.

Category: Car Buying, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Earnings/Financials, Ram

Tags: chrysler, chrysler earnings, dodge, jeep, ram, sales

UAE’s Masdar City Aims To Lessen Its Oil Dependence

9:00 PM Thomas Ponco No comments

Published July 31, 2012

By Philippe Crowe

As we in the U.S. often see electric vehicles and hybrids as a way to lessen our reliance on foreign oil, oil producers like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are also slowly getting on-board the fuel-saving bandwagon.

In fact – and as we noted a couple weeks ago that even Saudi Arabia is on track to begin needing to import oil within three decades – it would appear now that even oil producers see the need to reduce their oil consumption.

Another case in point would be in Masdar City, a low-carbon low-waste emerging development in Abu Dhabi that aims to be one of the world’s most sustainable cities, and has installed the Middle East’s first rapid charging station in collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd (MHI).

This was done as part of Masdar City’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable transportation and serve as a testbed for cutting edge development in clean and sustainable technology.

The pilot project aims to assess how efficiently the rapid charger technology will function in the region’s harsh climatic conditions. The CHAdeMO-certified Rapid Charger is a high efficiency DC charger provided by Efacec, a leading manufacturer of AC and DC chargers. The charger will serve as a charging station for the 12 Mitsubishi i-MiEV currently in operation at Masdar City.

These are the first mass-produced, 100 per cent electric vehicles used in the UAE.

Previously, the i-MiEVs had to be charged for six hours continuously using standard electrical outlets. With the arrival of the new rapid charger, the EV’s batteries can now be charged up to 80 per cent in approximately 30 minutes.

Naser Al Marzouqi, Head of Facilities Management, Masdar City, said: “With a reduced charging time, a greater number of EVs will be in operation throughout the day. This project embodies Masdar City’s commitment to promoting electric vehicles. As an open technology platform, Masdar City will continue to work with various clean technology providers to provide sustainable transportation systems.”

Pedro Silva, Electric Mobility Director, Efacec, said: “We are pleased to be part of such an innovative project as Masdar City. We are committed to securing mass acceptance for electric mobility as it will be the next step towards sustainable mobility on a large scale. Our chargers were designed for best efficiency and high quality standards as part of that effort.”

The rapid chargers are networked to MHI’s EV control center within Masdar City.

The EV pilot project launched in mid-January 2011 with a fleet of 12 electric vehicles served as an indispensable mode of transport inside Masdar City; addressing users’ concerns on battery life and defying skepticism about the EVs’ inability to withstand desert heat.

To date, the vehicles have transported over 35,000 passengers and Masdar City evaluates it prevented approximately 33,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Big Chevy closeout deals have 2013 Malibu Eco sitting on lots in favor of 2012 models

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Related Gallery 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco: Review

News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.

Category: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Chevrolet

Tags: 2012, 2013, auto sales, car dealers, chevrolet, malibu

US Electric Motor Company Looks To China For Funding

3:00 PM Thomas Ponco 1 comment

Published July 30, 2012

By Philippe Crowe

Political winds have blown against some federal funding being approved for advanced-tech startups, and as it turns out, China is picking up the slack as a financier for electric vehicle companies originally based in the U.S.

A few companies have looked to this Asian country after their funding request has been rejected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) – and some, according to Alysha Webb's ChinaEV Blog, went straight to China for funding, without bothering to apply with the DOE.

Michigan-based Protean Electric Inc. is one such company as CEO Bob Purcell boldly told Alysha, saying, “we are the fastest path to high volume application of hybrid systems in the world.”

Believing their business case was strong from the get-go, Purcell said Protean went directly to private investors.

Some of those investors, looking for proven – or at least well developed and engineered technologies – happened to be located in China.

On July 9, Protean announced it had received $84 million in new funding from GSR Ventures, New Times Group, Oak Investment Partners and the city of Liyang, Jiangsu Province, China. This capital will be used to bring Protean's breakthrough electric drive technology to production by establishing manufacturing facilities in Liyang.

This funding is led by GSR Ventures, a venture capital firm based in Beijing and Silicon Valley. They are joined by the New Times Group, a Liyang-based industrial group. Oak Investment Partners, Protean's first venture investor, is also participating in this round of funding. The city of Liyang is partnering to provide prototype manufacturing support, with favorable industrial policy.

With the help of this infusion of cash, Protean Electric will begin prototype motor production early next year in China volume production is expected in 2014.

Protean Electric developed and manufactures the Protean Drive, a fully integrated, in-wheel motor, direct-drive solution.

The company has developed multiple demonstration vehicles, including a Ford F150 pick-up truck, Volvo C30, Vauxhall Vivaro cargo van, Guangzhou Automobile Company Trumpchi, and BRABUS full electric and hybrid vehicles, based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and were featured at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

In her article, Webb pointed out none of companies she spoke with had been tested to the point of having high-volume production. As such, assuming Brabus or another company so funded succeeds, U.S. firms can also pay up and use it, so by her reckoning China is actually doing the U.S. a favor.

Features of Protean Electric's in-wheel motors include:

• Fuel economy improvements up to 30 percent depending on battery size

• Highest torque density of any of today's leading electric propulsion systems

• 81 kw (110 horsepower) and 800 Nm (590 pound-feet torque) in each motor

• Weight of only 31 kg (68 pounds) per motor

• Fits within the space of a conventional 18- to 24-inch road wheel

• Superior regenerative braking capabilities, which allow up to 85 percent of the available kinetic energy to be recovered during braking

Protean seems to be keeping its goal realistic. Purcell told Alysha Protean is aiming to produce 100,000 motors annually. When you consider each vehicle will incorporate between two and four of those in-wheel electric motors, one quickly understands Protean expects to take it step by step.

Alysha Webb's ChinaEV Blog

MyFord Mobile Powered by MapQuest Helps Ford Owners Locate Charging

12:00 PM Thomas Ponco No comments

Published July 30, 2012

By Philippe Crowe

Electric vehicles’ successes and wider adoption will come by building vehicles able to match the convenience and ease of use of conventional internal combustion engine cars.

Ford does understand this – as do most manufacturers – and took steps to help make life easier for owners of its Focus Electric and other models soon to launch.

One of these steps was to create MyFord Mobile, an app developed by Ford engineers that can be used with Ford Focus Electric and the soon-to-be-available C-MAX Energi and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrids. In addition to locating charging stations, the app allows customers to manage remote charging, view current battery status and plan trips.

The charging station locator is powered by MapQuest and provides details about charging stations in close proximity to the owner’s vehicle, such as street address and hours of operation.

Stations are popping up all over, too – from local grocery stores in Pittsburgh, churches in Austin, Texas, and hospitals in Portland to places like McDonald’s, Starbucks, Whole Foods, Walgreens, Target, Cracker Barrel and Walmart.

Up-to-date information is important because there are now 9,445 public stations in the U.S., according to current U.S. Department of Energy numbers. By comparison, there were about 2,500 public charging stations in the U.S. at the end of 2009.

Ford is tripling its electrified vehicle production capacity by 2013 with cars equipped with batteries that allow for quick charging at public charging stations.

Another step Ford took is to reduce as much as possible the time needed to reach a full charge.

The Focus Electric is equipped with a lithium-ion battery pack that can be fully charged in four hours.

The C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid – available this fall – will be able to recharge fully in two-and-a-half hours. The C-MAX Energi is expected to deliver 95 MPGe, along with 550 miles of total range.

An all-new Fusion Energi, also a plug-in hybrid, is in the pipeline as well.

Of course, public charging stations aren’t the only way electric and plug-in hybrids are charged.

J.R. DeShazo, director of UCLA’s Luskin Center for Innovation, says research shows charging a vehicle at home remains the most common method for charging. The center researches and reports on environmental and sustainability issues.

Ford has ensured customers who prefer to charge at home are able to do so by making available a 240-volt charger designed specifically for Ford vehicles and for use in a residential setting.

The availability of 240-volt chargers – public or private – is important because they allow for faster charging of the advanced lithium-ion batteries used in Ford’s newest electrified vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Wide Body by Mansory

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V8 / 5.461 cc / 640 PS / 664 ft/lb (900 Nm) @ 2.000 - 4.500 / twin turbo

(click images for a larger view)

EDTA Says Government Partnerships Accelerating Advanced Vehicle Technology

10:00 PM Thomas Ponco No comments

Published July 30, 2012

By Philippe Crowe

The Electric Drive Transportation Association ( EDTA) strongly believes electricity can be a key solution to reducing American dependence on foreign oil and improving the U.S. economy.

This it made clear Thursday, July 26 when EDTA President Brian Wynne testified during a Subcommittee hearing on Energy and Environment before the U.S. House of Representatives Science Committee.

The hearing reviewed the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Program (VTP) and its activities.

According to the EDTA, since the U.S. imports approximately 45 percent of the oil used in the transportation sector, there is an economic imperative to move toward electricity generated at home as an alternative to oil. The CRS estimates that the U.S. will pay $451 billion for imported oil in 2012, $30 billion more than 2011.

“With electric drive technologies – hybrids, plug-in vehicles and fuel cells – electricity displaces oil and reduces its stranglehold on our national security and our economy,” Wynne said. “Electric drive is a real solution that is here now, and the industry continues to expand.”

The EDTA stated there are now currently more than 40 hybrid vehicle being sold in the U.S., and manufacturers are planning to increase available plug-in vehicles from ten this year to more than 20 – at multiple price points – over the next two years. The electric car charging market is also growing, as the DOE has documented more than 4,000 public charging stations across the country.

Pike Research predicts that by 2017 there will be more than 1.5 million charging units in the U.S. Partnering with federal, state and local entities to research and develop electric vehicles and infrastructure is accelerating the growth of electrification. For example, through VTP, the DOE has worked with industry partners to decrease the cost of lithium ion batteries by a third since 2008. In addition, ongoing collaborative efforts with industry and the DOE have resulted in fuel cell vehicles meeting aggressive costs, performance and deployment milestones for commercialization in 2015.

Collaborative deployment efforts are also yielding substantial results. The DOE Clean Cities program works with more than 100 regional coalitions to help deploy alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure. Since its inception in 1994, Clean Cities has saved more than 3 billion gallons of petroleum.

There are also numerous state and local efforts involving utilities, manufacturers, local business and city planners who are helping promote electric drive investments. To encourage advanced transportation options, states and communities across the country are establishing policies such as access to High Occupancy Vehicle lanes, permitting for recharging infrastructure and parking incentives for electric vehicle drivers.

“The return on public government investment in advancing electric drive is a nation that is less dependent on foreign oil and spends its energy dollars domestically,” Wynne said. “We must be able to compete effectively in the global market with these advanced technologies.”

2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible priced from $60,445, Camaro 1LE from $37,035

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Related Gallery 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible

Related Gallery 2013 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE

Category: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM

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