Report: Tesla Roadster to reappear in 2014

Next year, the Tesla Model S will hit dealerships across the globe. Then, the crossover Model X will bow, likely followed by a convertible based on the Model S platform. But beyond that, Tesla Motors has taken to the tight-lipped approached. That is, until now.

According to Autocar, Tesla will launch a completely redesigned Roadster in late 2014. This electric Roadster – unlike the one that was still available in limited quantities in August – will not be based on a Lotus platform. Rather, Autocar reports that the Roadster will be based on a "third generation platform," likely a shortened version of the Model S' underpinnings.

It's this third-generation platform that Tesla chief executive officer Elon Musk claims will "spawn a range of cars in the next four to five years." And, as Musk says, it will be a "mass-market platform." We like that these cars are becoming real, but we also enjoyed the days when everything was codenamed things like White Star and Blue Star. Remember that?

Related Gallery 2011 Tesla Roadster 2.5

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UK petrol stations closing, "fuel deserts" may result

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Tesla Roadster to reappear in 2014

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Beijing to waive license plate lottery for electric vehicles

Here's an electric vehicle perk that might prompt some Chinese consumers to go electric: elimination of Beijing's restrictive license plate lottery.

Officials in Beijing are reportedly discussing a scheme that will allow electric vehicle owners to bypass the city's license plate lottery system. This move would allow owners of electric vehicles to immediately register their rides instead of playing the odds with Beijing's lottery scheme. Last time we checked, the odds of registering a vehicle in Beijing were 23 to 1, meaning that most applicants could not legally drive their vehicles on public roads.

By eliminating the lottery system for electric vehicles, Beijing hopes to encourage the purchase of battery-powered automobiles. And, as we see it, those officials are probably on the right track. Word is Beijing will, until further notice, allow unrestricted purchasing and registering of electric vehicles. So, for those who have missed out on the city's lottery drawings, going electric ensures them that they'll be able to register their own rides for around-town transport.

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API: Petroleum demand up 2.5% in September

Petroleum demand up, approaches 20 million barrels a day

WASHINGTON, October 21, 2011 – At 19.9 million barrels per day, total petroleum deliveries (a measure of demand) rose 2.5 percent in September compared with September a year ago. While motor gasoline demand was up only slightly by 0.3 percent, distillate demand reached a record for the month. On a year-to-date basis, gasoline demand was 1.3 percent down from 2010. Deliveries of jet fuel were at a four-year high for the month.

"The edging up of gasoline demand is consistent with the slightly improving consumer confidence numbers we've seen," said API chief economist John Felmy.

"The more robust growth in distillate demand reflects somewhat better news in the manufacturing and industrial sectors of our economy."

U.S. refinery gasoline production was up by 3.0 percent from September 2010 and was at a record high on a year-to-date basis. Refinery inputs remained over 15 million barrels per day for the fourth month in a row, although slipping from the month before partly due to the effects of Tropical Storm Lee. Total petroleum imports were down for the month of September from last year by 9.9 percent. Crude imports fell by 2.3 percent while product imports fell by 37.0 percent. Canadian imports of crude oil showed a 9.9 percent jump from last year.

Crude oil production continued to exhibit weakness in September over September a year ago. However, on a year-to-date basis, production was up by 1.2 percent. Crude production in the lower 48 states in September was down while Alaska production increased. According to Baker Hughes Inc., oil and gas rigs jumped by 21 to 1978 in September, a three-year high for the month.

For the fourth time this year, crude oil stocks showed year over year declines as crude imports fell compared with the prior year. However, with the exception of last year, crude oil stocks were at their highest level for any September since 1983. Motor gasoline stocks also fell in September versus September a year ago, although they increased from August levels.

API represents more than 480 oil and natural gas companies, leaders of a technology-driven industry that supplies most of America's energy, supports 9.2 million U.S. jobs and 7.7 percent of the U.S. economy, delivers more than $86 million a day in revenue to our government, and, since 2000, has invested over $2 trillion in U.S. capital projects to advance all forms of energy, including alternatives.

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Keep watching, Aptera 2.0 is coming

There seems to be something a brewin' over at Aptera Motors.

Gone is Aptera Motors' former website that displayed info on the automaker's oft-delayed three-wheeled electric 2e. In its place is a lone, non-working homepage with few details aside from this mission statement:

Aptera: The Combination of amazing aerodynamics and advance composites means the coming of a new generation of energy efficient vehicles that will change what we expect from our cars. Keep watching. 2.0 is coming!

We assume 2.0 refers to a site redesign, but nobody will say for sure. Aptera spokesman Marques McCammon simply told Green Car Reports:

All is well in start-up world. Yes, there is something new coming to the web. I would call it a better reflection of how our business is developing. I can't say much more than that at this point. As you can imagine, there is no one more eager to talk about Aptera than I am, but all things in their time.

So, we don't know what it is, but we do know that Aptera 2.0 is coming.

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BYD says electric e6 delayed due to lack of U.S. plug-in infrastructure

It's coming in 2010. Scratch that. How about 2011? Oh shucks, that's impossible, too. Let's shoot for 2012. BYD Auto constantly alters the U.S. launch date of the electric e6 crossover. But this latest bit of info should relieve us of reporting further delays.

When BYD announced its U.S. scheme, the automaker claimed retail sales of the e6 electric MPV would start no later than December of 2010. Now, BYD is saying that its primary focus is on fleet sales, particularly of its electric eBus-12.

BYD says the e6 is constantly delayed because the U.S. lacks a sufficient charging infrastructure, even claiming that California doesn't have enough infrastructure. So, why won't we have to report further e6 delays? Because Micheal Austin, BYD's U.S. vice-president, told Bloomberg, "We still have ambitions to jump into the consumer market, but until the infrastructure issue is solved, why would we?" Given that the BYD can now declare the problem "solved" any time it pleases, we expect it not to do so until the e6 is ready.

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Volvo crashes V60 Plug-in Hybrid

Volvo vehicles keep occupants safe. That's the message the Swedish automaker has pitched for decades now and that sentiment hasn't changed a bit with the introduction of Volvo's electrified vehicles.

First, Volvo showed us that its electric-only C30 DRIVe fared exceptionally well in crash tests and now the Swedish automaker is putting its V60 Plug-in Hybrid through the same set of tests, including the destructive 70-percent overlap rear impact.

In this test, the V60 Plug-in is struck in the rear by a sled moving at 55 miles per hour. As intended, Volvo's wagon immediately deforms upon impact, but its rear-mounted battery pack remains intact. Sensors fitted to the V60 plug-in immediately cut electrical power if the impact is severe, while a system fitted to the battery vents gas if the pack is breached.

Hit the jump to watch video of the destruction and keep a close eye on the V60's battery (highlighted in green) as it survives the carnage virtually untouched. It's okay to cringe a little at the destruction.

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Tesla Motors opens shop in Houston, Texas

Tesla Opens Gallery in Houston

Electric car maker expands to Texas

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

HOUSTON -- Tesla Motors (NASDAQ: TSLA) opens its first gallery in Texas in the Houston Galleria shopping center this weekend, bringing its innovative electric vehicle technology to the Lone Star State. In compliance with Texas law, Tesla will not be selling cars at the gallery. It is designed to invite the public in to explore Tesla's technology and learn about electric vehicles.

Tesla catalyzed the auto industry in 2008 with the launch of the Tesla Roadster, the world's first highway-capable electric vehicle. Able to plug into any conventional outlet, the Roadster travels 245 miles on a single charge and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, proving that people don't have to compromise on performance or convenience to drive a zero-emission car. Now Tesla is furthering its mission with the first mass-produced electric premium sedan, Model S, which hits the road next year.

As Model S enters the final stages of development, Tesla is reinventing the way people learn and make decisions about cars. Tesla locations are designed to invite the public in to explore Tesla's technology and learn about electric vehicles.

Tesla chose the centrally-located Galleria to expose as many people as possible to the advantages and practicality of electric vehicles. The layout of the space engages and informs visitors with hands-on exhibits, interactive touch-screen experiences, and the opportunity to sit behind the wheel.

"We are changing the way people learn and think about electric vehicles," says Tesla Co-Founder and CEO Elon Musk. "Opening a location in the heart of Houston will allow us to expose a new, forward-thinking audience to the benefits of driving electric and Tesla's market-leading technology."

The Houston gallery is one of several new Tesla locations opening in the next several months, marking a major expansion in North America. More than 6,000 of the premium sedans have already been reserved around the world.

As part of its goal to revolutionize the way people interact with cars, Tesla allows people to customize their own vehicles online and in its galleries with touch-screen interfaces using its virtual Design Studio. More information on Tesla and its vehicles can be found at www.teslamotors.com.

As the only company focused purely on developing electric vehicles, Tesla owns the entire process from design to the road. This facilitates nimble communication between engineers and product advisers to ensure exceptional service.

The Houston gallery will be Tesla's tenth in the U.S. It operates twenty locations around the world, including in Europe and Asia.
About Tesla

Tesla's goal is to accelerate the world's transition to electric mobility with a full range of electric cars. Palo Alto, California-based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. Tesla has delivered more than 1,800 Roadsters, the world's first electric sports car, to customers worldwide. Model S, the first premium sedan to be built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, hits the road in North America in mid-2012, and in Europe and Asia in late 2012.

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Nissan Leaf wins 2011 GreenFleet "Electric Vehicle of the Year" award

NISSAN LEAF WINS 'ELECTRIC VEHICLE OF THE YEAR' AT GREENFLEET AWARDS IN EUROPE

The 100-percent electric Nissan LEAF five-door hatchback has picked up another award. It was voted Electric Vehicle of the Year at the 2011 GreenFleet Awards.

Sponsored by EDF Energy, the Nissan LEAF was judged as the best performing and most suitable electric vehicle in its class.

"With five-door practicality, a generous boot, a high level of spec, and most importantly, a 110 mile range, the Nissan LEAF is the resounding choice this year. Add to that the take-up in fleets, from all over the UK, and it certainly means the Nissan LEAF is now the market leader, and will continue to make in-roads into fleets looking to embrace EV technology," said Colin Boyton, GreenFleet Marketing Manager.

"For these reasons, the Nissan LEAF is a worthy winner of the 2011 GreenFleet Electric Vehicle of the Year," he continued.

Barry Beeston, Nissan Motor GB's Fleet Sales Director said, "A growing number of fleets are beginning to switch on to how Nissan LEAF can provide drivers with a good combination of everyday practicality and zero emissions when in use.

"Nissan LEAF's whole life costs make financial sense and the rapidly growing charging infrastructure and 32-strong network of specialist Nissan EV dealers make running the car a hassle-free exercise," he added.

Nissan LEAF comes fully equipped with features such as climate control, satellite navigation, rear-view parking camera, a quick charge socket and innovative smart-phone connectivity. Nissan LEAF is priced at £25,990, after the £5,000 Government incentive. The price includes the battery.

Nissan LEAF will be built at Sunderland plant from 2013.

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Mazda Takeri SkyActiv-D concept to debut at Tokyo Motor Show

Mazda TAKERI to Bow at 2011 Tokyo Motor Show
- Mazda's next-generation midsize sedan concept to debut alongside new Mazda CX-5 SUV with full array of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY -

HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the global premiere of the Mazda TAKERI next-generation midsize sedan concept car at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show. Mazda will also hold the Japan debut of the new CX-5 crossover SUV equipped with the full array of Mazda's breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY*1 as well as other new technologies and production models.

The 2011 Tokyo Motor Show will run from December 3 through 11, 2011, at the Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center). The press days will be November 30 and December 1. Mazda will hold its press conference at 8:30 a.m. (JST) on November 30.

Mazda's theme for the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show is "Environmental Technology, Pushing the Boundaries of the Emotion of Motion." Mazda has previously announced its plan to thoroughly enhance environmental and dynamic performance under the Sustainable Zoom-Zoom long-term vision for technology development. The results of this plan began to appear on the market earlier in 2011. The Mazda Demio (known overseas as the Mazda2) launched in Japan in June, and the Mazda Axela (Mazda3) began its rollout to global markets in September.*2

The Mazda TAKERI exploits Mazda's new design language, 'KODO - Soul of Motion,' to bring a new level of strength and allure to sedan styling. The TAKERI features the full array of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, including the efficient and powerful new SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine, to deliver vigorous performance and a comfortable ride desired in a sedan. The combination of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and electric devices – such as Mazda's idling stop system, i-stop, and a new regenerative braking system – enable the Mazda TAKERI to achieve excellent fuel economy.

*1 SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine, SKYACTIV-D diesel engine, SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission, SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission, SKYACTIV-BODY and SKYACTIV-CHASSIS.
*2 The Demio is available with SKYACTIV-G, the Axela is available with SKYACTIV-G and SKYACTIV-DRIVE.

The Mazda CX-5 is the first of Mazda's next generation products that will feature the complete range of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, including powertrain, body and chassis. Thanks to KODO design, the CX-5 expresses a strong sense of vitality and agility unlike other SUVs. As Mazda's first model equipped with the new SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine, the Mazda CX-5 also offers a predictable and refined driving experience coupled with outstanding environmental and safety performance.

List of exhibits

Reference exhibits	Mazda TAKERI concept	Global premiere
	Mazda CX-5 (Japan specifications)	Japan premiere
	Mazda SHINARI concept	Japan premiere
Market models	Mazda Demio, Mazda Verisa, Mazda Axela/Axela Sport, Mazda Premacy, Mazda Biante, Mazda Roadster and others (17 vehicles)
Technology exhibits	SKYACTIV-D, SKYACTIV-G (2.0L and 1.3L), SKYACTIV-DRIVE, regenerative braking system

• - In addition to the above, Mazda will also contribute to the SMART MOBILITY CITY 2011 exhibition (organized by the SMART MOBILITY CITY 2011 executive committee and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association).

Summary of major exhibits

Mazda TAKERI

Based on Mazda's new design language, 'KODO - Soul of Motion', the Mazda TAKERI is designed to express "an intuitive sedan identity" and "an overwhelming emotional beauty" as the latest platform for Mazda's breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. TAKERI provides a supremely comfortable ride feel, thanks to the satisfying power of SKYACTIV-D and new lightweight and aerodynamic technologies. It also features the i-stop idling stop system and Mazda's first regenerative braking system. The regenerative braking system efficiently converts kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration, stores it in capacitors and then uses it to power the vehicle's electric equipment, thereby reducing load on the engine and saving fuel. Thanks to these electric devices, the Mazda TAKERI achieves excellent fuel economy.

The regenerative braking system represents Step Two of Mazda's Building Block Strategy. After renewing existing technologies, such as engines and bodies, Step One of the Building Block Strategy is idling stop technology (i-stop), Step Two is regenerative braking technology, and Step Three is electric drive technology (hybrid, etc.).

Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 is the first of a new generation of Mazda vehicles that will adopt the full range of Mazda's breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, including all-new gasoline and diesel engines, transmission, body and chassis. It is also the first production model to feature Mazda's new design theme, 'KODO - Soul of Motion', expressing SUV-like functionality and practicality along with a strong sense of vitality and agility. The CX-5 delivers predictable and responsive handling for a high-quality and responsive ride matched with outstanding environmental and safety performance.

The CX-5 is Mazda's first model to be available with the new SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine. Customers can also select the highly-efficient direct injection SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine. Equipped with the new SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission and i-stop idling stop system, SKYACTIV-D FWD models achieve fuel economy of 18.6km/L and SKYACTIV-G FWD models achieve 16.0km/L (JC08 mode test cycle, Mazda in-house measurement).

Mazda CX-5 data (Japan specifications)

Exterior dimensions (length x width x height)		4,540mm x 1,840mm x 1,705mm
Wheelbase		2,700mm
Engines		SKYACTIV-G 2.0	SKYACTIV-D 2.2
	Displacement	1,997cc	2,184cc
	Max. torque	196Nm/4,000rpm	420Nm/2,000rpm
	Max. power	114kW/6,000rpm	129kW/4,500rpm
Weight		1,440kg	1,510kg
Fuel economy (JC08 mode [10-15 mode])		16.0km/L [17.6km/L]	18.6km/L [20.0km/L]
Transmission		SKYACTIV-DRIVE (six-speed automatic)
Steering		Electric power steering (column type)
Suspension (front/rear)		MacPherson strut/multi-link
Brakes (front/rear)		Ventilated discs/discs
Tires		225/65R17

• - Figures are of the FWD model; Mazda in-house measurements. AWD model will also be available.

Mazda Demio

The compact Demio is Mazda's first model to features SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, with the SKYACTIV-G 1.3 engine. It delivers best-in-class*3 fuel economy of 25.0km/L (JC08 mode)/30.0km/L (10-15 mode), a sporty and high-quality design, outstanding handling and high-speed stability, and a comfortable ride feel.

Mazda Axela

The Axela features Mazda's newly-developed SKYACTIV-G 2.0 engine and six-speed automatic SKYACTIV-DRIVE transmission which provides a direct shift feel. It delivers a smooth and exhilarating ride with best in the 2.0-liter class*4 fuel economy of 17.6km/L (JC08 mode)/20.0km/L (10-15 mode)*5.

*3 Mazda Demio SKYACTIV-1.3 model grade
*4 Gasoline engine vehicles, excluding hybrids (Mazda data)
*5 Axela sedan achieves 17.6km/L, Axela Sport achieves 17.2 km/L. Models with 15-inch wheels

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Volvo led European automakers in CO2 reductions in 2010, still trails #1 Fiat

Volvo Car Corporation reduced CO2 emissions most in Europe

The Volvo Car Corporation is in the lead among European carmakers when it comes to reducing
carbon dioxide emissions. This is shown in the sixth annual analysis conducted by T&E, the
European Federation for Transport and Environment.
"We are delighted and very proud over this result. We are following our ambitious plan which
puts the spotlight on cutting carbon dioxide emissions," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO
of the Volvo Car Corporation.

Europe's eight largest carmakers cut their CO2 emissions by an average of 2 to 6 percent in 2010. The Volvo Car Corporation is the exception that stands out, with a CO2 reduction of no less than 9 percent. This is the result of a concerted environmental focus under the "DRIVe towards zero" banner.

Sales of fuel-efficient diesel engines from the DRIVe range have been highly successful and are one of the explanations behind the major reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Examples of popular models are the V50 DRIVe with emissions of 99 gram/km and the V70 DRIVe with 119 gram/km.

The Volvo Car Corporation's CO2 strategy also includes electrified cars with varying degrees of hybridisation, even more efficient diesel and petrol engines, and alternative fuels.

"The aim is to come down to an average of 95 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre across our total car sales in 2020. In theory that is entirely feasible, but a lot depends on developments in legislation, incentives, energy availability and of course customer demand. In addition, the EU intends to introduce a new method for calculating carbon dioxide, and this too will impact our plan," says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development at the Volvo Car Corporation.

The analysis by the European Federation for Transport and Environment shows how well European carmanufacturers have succeeded in cutting CO2 emissions and fuel consumption in new cars. All told, carbon dioxide emissions from new cars sold in the EU dropped by 3.7 percent in 2010, and today the average figure for new cars sold in Europe is 140 grams per kilometre.

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2013 Honda Fit EV to debut at Los Angeles Auto Show

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New Chevy Volt burger joint ad airs during World Series

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Trans Tech wheels out electric school bus with 130-mile range

Manufacturer Trans Tech Bus will soon offer its customers a "green" solution for transporting students to and from school with its eTrans electric-only bus.

The 42-passenger school bus will be equipped with a 120-kW (161 horsepower) electric motor powered by a pair of 278-volt lithium-ion battery packs. Moreover, the eTrans features an auxiliary unit fueled by either compressed natural gas or propane and that runs the bus' heating and air conditioning systems.

The eTrans' range depends on operating conditions, but Trans Tech claims bus drivers will be able to travel approximately 100 to 130 miles on a charge. The bus' top speed checks in at a city-capable 50 miles per hour. Dan Daniels, president of Trans Tech, states:

The eTrans will be ideal for short, defined, repetitive routes. In addition, given that most school buses operate during the day, school districts and bus contractors will be able to take advantage of lower, off-peak electricity rates by recharging their fleets at night, when demand is at its lowest.

The eTrans was officially unveiled on October 23 and is scheduled to launch in limited numbers in early 2012. Full-scale production is set to commence in mid-to late 2012. In terms of price, that's not been made public yet and Daniels says that Trans Tech is working to ensure the eTrans is "priced competitively."

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2012 Fisker Karma featured on <i/>The Car Show</i>

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Nissan Leaf 6-month service is a simple tire-rotating, coffee-drinking pit stop

Most vehicles today require routine maintenance at predetermined intervals. For the Nissan Leaf, the first required check-up comes at the 15,000-mile (or one year) mark. But Nissan North America still "recommends" a six-month service stop.

Why at six-months? Well, it's more for the company than the car, really. This stop provides Nissan with a way to keeps tabs on the Leaf and allows its mechanics a chance to catch any potential problems with the groundbreaking electric hatch.

What gets done if a Leaf owner decides to drop by the dealership at the six-month mark? Just about next to nothing. Nissan's technicians will do the usual, including inspecting the underside of the vehicle, popping the hood for a peek and rotating the tires. But that's it. There's no motor oil to change and, aside from a thorough exterior washing, there's not much to be done to the Leaf.

In fact, the service is so brief that most Leaf owners drink a cup o' joe in the waiting room while roaming the web for the few minutes it takes to complete the recommended checks. The cost? Some Nissan dealers perform the service for free, while others charge up to $89. Our advice? Get your Leaf checked at six months, especially if your dealer offers it for nothing (if not, call around). It is, after all, one of the most technologically advanced vehicles around.

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Cellulosic ethanol &quot;floodgates&quot; will open in 2013

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Daimler BYD electric vehicle renderings leak out

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Hong Kong to purchase 8 &quot;supercapacitor,&quot; 28 electric buses for $180 million

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