Electric Cars at 2008 New York Auto Show

23 March, 2008 12:00:00

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Even so this year’s New York International Auto Show had an old-fashioned flavor, the show featured a number of electric vehicles, including the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Subaru R1e, Nissan Denki Cube and the Hybrid Technologies LiV™ WISE City Car.

1. Nissan Denki Cube

As part of its Nissan Green Program 2010, the automaker unveiled its latest energy-efficient vehicle, the Denki Cube, at the New York International Auto Show.

The lithium-ion batter-powered Denki Cube is an electric vehicle concept car modeled after the company’s current-generation Nissan Cube.

The Denki Cube uses new laminated lithium ion batteries from Nissan's joint venture with NEC. The batteries are stashed below the floor and rear seat. The box-shaped Denki Cube Concept is capable of traveling 100 miles per charge and can reach a top speed of 75 mph and should be recharged in 8 hours.

Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn said that Nissan would launch an electric car in the United States in 2010, which would be introduced to the global market by both brands two years later.

2. Hybrid Technologies LiV™ WISE

Hybrid Technologies, Inc. unveiled the LiV™ WISE, their newest emission-free all electric city car at the New York International Auto Show. Hybrid positions their new LiVTM WISE as the obvious alternative choice as gas prices reach $4.00 a gallon in California.

At a $39,700 price point, Hybrid’s LiV™ WISE City Car performs as well as a gasoline fueled vehicle with a driving range of 90-120 miles and speeds in excess of 75 mph. Not only will consumers save money in the long run, they can also make a substantial contribution in improving the environment. The Liv Wise is converted from a Toyota Yaris. The company has converted many other vehicles, including a Mini Cooper.(read more)

3. Mitsubishi iMiEV Electric Car

Mitsubishi's iMiEV is an electric car built on the base of company's gas powered ‘i-minicar’ that has been selling in Japan since 2006.

iMiEV has an impressive 100-mile range. Mitsubishi says it’ll keep up with our traffic too, with its 85mph top speed.

The iMiEV can be fully charged in 14 hours to charge completely on a 110-volt home outlet, or seven hours to charge on a 220-volt outlet. Japan is developing quick-charge stations that will allow the car to be charged in 30 minutes.

Mitsubishi has previously announced that thay will bring the all-electric i-MiEV in the U.S. and Europe after 2010 if there is enough demand for a small electric car.

4. Subaru R1e

The R1e, on display at the 2008 New York auto show, is driven by a 40 kilowatt motor which can push it up to 65 mph. Its lithium-ion battery pack gives it a range of 50 miles and can be charged to 80 percent capacity in 15 minutes, using a special using quick-charge technology.

A typical charge cost less than $2 dollars. The vehicle can be fully charged overnight (eight hours) while connected to a standard household electrical outlet. The new lithium ion batteries are also designed in layers that allow for simple recycling at the end of their 10 year life.

Subaru is hoping to start selling electric cars domestically in 2009, a year ahead of its initial plans.

Subaru currently has 40 units of its electric R1e in operation in Japan in customer trials. The company is targeting first-year sales of its electric car at 100 units.

Subaru will begin evaluating its R1e electric vehicle (EV) in the United States this summer in conjunction with the New York Power Authority (NYPA). (read more)

Subaru will provide two Subaru R1e electric cars to NYPA for evaluation.