Green Cars, Hybrid Cars, Electric Cars and Clean Diesel News

2014 Chevrolet Spark EV Priced at $27,495, Leases from $199/month

Thu, 23 May 2013 03:26:00 -0500

The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV will start at $27,495 including a $810 destination charge, reducible to $19,995 after applying $7,500 federal tax credits.

Like the Nissan Leaf, the Fiat 500e, GM announced a low mileage lease on the new 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV 1LT for as low as $199 per month for 36 months, with $999 due at lease signing including security deposit (tax, title, license dealer fees extra), making the vehicle one of the most affordable EVs on the market.

Depending on their tax situation, California Spark EV owners may also qualify for other state and local tax credits and incentives ranging from $0 to $2,500, potentially reducing the price to $17,495. Spark EV owners in California are also eligible for High-Occupancy Vehicle, or carpool lane, access.

Compared to the average new gas-powered vehicle, the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV can save drivers, on average, about $150 per month in fuel costs based on EPA assessments.

The 2014 Spark EV will be available at select Chevrolet dealers throughout California and Oregon beginning mid-June 2013.

The Spark EV features a combined city/highway EPA estimated range of 82 miles when fully charged and an EPA-estimated combined city/highway 119 MPGe fuel economy equivalent. The vehicle’s 21 kWh lithium-ion battery pack will continue Chevrolet’s tradition of offering outstanding limited warranty protection – eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

2014 Chevrolet Spark EV will be the first vehicle on the market to offer as an available option compatibility with the recently approved SAE combo charger for DC Fast Charging. The capability, available shortly after launch, will enable the Spark EV to recharge up to 80 percent of its capacity in approximately 20 minutes at select DC Fast Charging stations when they become available. Unlike most competitors, the Spark EV’s battery system is capable of handling multiple compatible DC Fast Charges daily. Charging can also be completed in less than seven hours using a dedicated 240V charge. A 120V charge cord set comes standard. Charging can be managed and monitored remotely using the Spark EV’s smart phone application, provided by OnStar, which is standard for three years.

The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV will offer several forms of in-vehicle connectivity, including the MyLink infotainment system that includes a seven-inch touch screen and integration with third-party apps and features such as Siri Eyes Free, Pandora and BringGo navigation. These features require the user to purchase third party apps separately on a compatible smart phone. See Chevrolet.com/MyLink for more details. The Spark EV RemoteLink application is designed to enhance the overall ownership experience with fingertip interaction and control. The application, which requires compatible smart phone and active OnStar subscription:

- displays charge status – plugged in or not, and voltage
- provides flexibility to “Charge Now” or schedule charge timing
- displays percentage of battery charge level and total range
- allows manual setting of grid-friendly charge mode for off-peak times when electricity rates are lowest
- sends text or email for charge reminders, charge interruptions and full-charge notification
- displays miles and odometer readings
- remotely starts the vehicle to pre-condition interior temperature

The Spark EV comes with three years of OnStar Directions and Connections service, which includes Automatic Crash Response, stolen vehicle assistance and connected navigation.

2013 Ford Fusion Energi Earns Top Safety Rating from NHTSA

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:31:00 -0500

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi a five-star Overall Vehicle Score in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

The five-star rating is the U.S. Government’s highest-possible safety rating and is determined only after severe testing procedures as part of NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program, which combines vehicle performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollover.

The Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid joins the Ford Fusion and the Ford Fusion Hybrid which already received five-star safety ratings.

NHTSA has elected to test plug-in vehicles separately from vehicles powered by gasoline internal combustion engines as the market share of electrified vehicles is increasing.

“The Fusion Energi combines the highest possible safety ratings from NHTSA and great fuel economy, two things we know customers are looking for in their vehicles,” said Steve Kenner, Global Director of the Ford Automotive Safety Office. “Our strategy is to provide our customers with a range of powertrain options in our vehicles, while still leading in fuel economy in every segment that we compete.”

The NHTSA five-star rating for the Fusion Energi comes in addition to the 2013 Fusion being named a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in December. The Top Safety Pick + designation is the highest rating the organization has for vehicle safety.

The Fusion Energi also features the Personal Safety System with safety belt technologies and front impact airbags. The Personal Safety System™ is a network of components that work together to tailor the deployment of the front airbags during frontal collisions. Other driver assist technologies available on the Fusion Energi include:

- Lane Keeping Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Rearview Camera
- Hill Start Assist
- Electronic Parking Break

Smart Fortwo Electric Drive: US Pricing, Lease and Battery Rental Details

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:49:00 -0500

Mercedes-Benz USA has started rolling out the smart electric fortwo, the most affordable electric vehicle in the U.S. market (based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price), to smart dealers across the country.

In response to consumer uncertainty about battery performance and longevity, the smart fortwo electric drive will offer U.S. customers an innovative acquisition option: buy or lease the vehicle with or without the battery.

The new option, called Battery Assurance Plus, enables a customer to buy the vehicle only – without the battery – for $19,990 and separately rent the battery (the performance of which is guaranteed for up to 10 years) for $80 a month plus taxes.

For leasing customers, the total monthly payment is $199 with the battery rental included. Battery Assurance Plus also covers annual maintenance on the battery and, if necessary, replacement. The rental contract for the battery is transferrable for up to 10 years with no mileage restrictions.

While MBUSA expects that most customers will opt for the Battery Assurance Plus option, based on its popularity in Europe, the fortwo electric can also be purchased or leased in the traditional manner.

The smart fortwo electric drive coupe carries an MSRP of $25,000 while the cabriolet is priced at $28,000. These retail purchase customers may also be eligible for federal tax credits (which run up to $7,500) or state/local tax credits, further reducing the cost.

The smart electric drive has the smallest footprint of any car on U.S. roads and its cabriolet sibling is the only convertible electric available here.

Further setting the fortwo apart from other vehicles on the market is its unique patented tridion safety cell (which functions like a race car's roll cage), its infinitely customizable exterior (more than 6,000 possible combinations) and its green credentials which start at one of the most eco-friendly automotive production facilities in the world – the smartville factory in Hambach, France.

The smart fortwo electric drive has a mile per gallon equivalent (MPGe) of 122 miles in the city on a full charge.

"We know that there are many potential customers out there for whom an electric drive vehicle would be ideal but who have concerns about battery maintenance costs, battery life, repair cost and, of course, range anxiety. The smart electric addresses all those concerns by way of the Battery Assurance Plus program and our new smart Vehicle Homepage," said Mark Webster, general manager in charge of smart.

The smart Vehicle Homepage is a customized connection between the vehicle and most internet-capable devices. With a smartphone, tablet or PC, an owner can:

- Check the State of Charge for the vehicle (how much charge does it have right now; what is the charging time forecast; how much range does the driver have on the current charge and how much will s/he have when the vehicle is fully charged).
- Precondition the car while charging so the vehicle is at a comfortable temperature when the driver gets into it.
- Set the vehicle to charge during times when electricity cost is at its lowest.
- Set a planned departure time so that the vehicle can charge at an economical cost but without delaying departure.
- Review an "Eco Display" which shows the efficiency and type of driving.
- See the range of the vehicle by way of a "range cloud" – a map which shows all the locations the vehicle could get to on the current charge level.
- Have the route to the destination laid out while taking driving conditions into account and verifying that the vehicle has enough charge to reach the destination.
- Set up automated notifications (e.g. charging completed, when vehicle reaches a desired charge level) which are then received either by email or Twitter.
- Locate the vehicle where it's parked (Car Finder) as well as set a reminder as to how much time remains on the parking meter.

Tesla Model S Earns Highest Score in Consumer Reports Rating

Thu, 09 May 2013 10:37:00 -0500

The Tesla Model S, an all-electric luxury sports car, has earned the highest score in Consumer Reports' ratings: a 99 out of 100.

The $89,650 Tesla Model S performed better, or just as well overall, as any other vehicle—of any kind—ever tested by Consumer Reports.

"The Tesla Model S is packed with technological innovation," said Jake Fisher, director of Automotive Testing for Consumer Reports. "It accelerates, handles and brakes like a sports car, it has the ride and quietness of a luxury car and is far more energy efficient than the best hybrid cars."

The last vehicle to achieve a 99 in CR's testing was the Lexus LS 460L, which CR tested in 2007. The Model S is the first time any electric vehicle to earn that score.

From a start, the Tesla Model S catapults from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 5.6 seconds. Engineers said its pinpoint handling is reminiscent of a Porsche, and the beautifully-crafted interior calls to mind an Audi. It's also the quietest car that Consumer Reports has tested since the Lexus LS.

With a hefty 85-kWh lithium-ion battery, CR's Tesla is easily the most practical electric car that has been tested to date. While the Ford Focus Electric and Nissan Leaf, for example, can go about 80 and 75 miles, respectively, before needing a charge, the Model S has been delivering closer to 200 miles—ample for commuting, running plenty of errands and still being able to take the long, winding road home. Range has varied from about 180 miles on cold winter days to about 225 in more moderate temperatures.

Over that distance, CR's Model S returned the equivalent of 84 mpg. And with a full charge costing about $9 (at the national average of 11 cents per kWh), it's like running a conventional car on gasoline that costs $1.20 per gallon.

The Model S isn't perfect. Its lows include limited range, long charging times, and coupe-like styling that impairs rear visibility and impedes access. Another concern is investing in a new car and startup company with no track record for reliability or resale value, and a skimpy (although growing) service network.

The Model S cannot yet be Recommended by Consumer Reports because the organization does not have sufficient reliability data. To be Recommended, a vehicle must perform well in CR's battery of tests, have average or better reliability in CR's Annual Auto Survey and perform well in government and industry crash tests.

Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

2014 Volvo Model Year Line-up with Lower CO2 Coming to UK

Fri, 10 May 2013 02:25:00 -0500

Six new Volvo models featuring revised styling, additional equipment and reduced CO2 emissions are joining the new 2014 Volvo model year line-up in the UK.

2014 Volvo model year orders are now being taken, with first customer deliveries expected in July.

The new Volvo S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 all feature new front and rear profiles plus enhanced equipment levels, including DAB radio as standard.

Optional items such as integrated exhaust pipes, active TFT driver display (first featured on the V40) and the addition of new safety equipment such as the world-first Cyclist Detection help these new vehicles stand out from the competition.

R-Design versions of the S60, V60 and XC60 have also received the Volvo Special Vehicles Team treatment by taking the updated models and adding a more sports-inspired look and a re-tuned chassis. Volvo, famed for its seat comfort, has also redesigned the sports seats to offer even more support with additional bolstering, whilst also showing off the new R-Design logo embroidered on the backrest.

V40 and V40 R-Design models fitted with the 115hp 1.6-litre D2 diesel engine with manual gearbox have been further improved, benefitting from a reduction in CO2 emissions from 94g/km to 88g/km. The V40 is also now available with a new 1.6-litre petrol engine, the T2, developing 120hp and returning up to 53.3mpg (official combined cycle).

The CO2 emissions of the S60, V60, V70 and S80 fitted with the D2 engine have also been improved, resulting in a reduction in Benefit In Kind payments for drivers and 1A National Insurance Contributions for employers.

- S60 D2 Manual - 114g/km to 103g/km - 15% BIK, two per cent decrease
- S60 D2 Automatic - 114g/km to 107g/km - 16% BIK, one per cent decrease
- V60 D2 Manual - 119g/km to 108g/km - 16% BIK, two per cent decrease
- V60 D2 Automatic - 119g/km to 110g/km - 17% BIK, one per cent decrease
- V70 D2 Automatic - 119g/km to 111g/km - 17% BIK, one per cent decrease
- S80 D2 Automatic - 119g/km to 109g/km - 16% BIK, two per cent decrease

To support the forthcoming digital radio switchover and to ensure customers benefit from the enhanced audio clarity and available stations, Digital Audio Broadcasting Radio (DAB) will feature as standard in all of Volvo's Model Year 2014 range fitted with SENSUS.

High Performance or Premium Sound are now both standard across the entire range (except XC90 ES). Bluetooth is also standard on the same vehicles, which allows for hands-free mobile phone use and music streaming through a compatible device.

All R-Designs (except XC90) also come fitted as standard with Volvo's Active TFT Crystal Driver's Display, unique from the standard cars in that the start-up sequence displays the R-Design logo and also features blue dials.

2013 Nissan LEAF Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:21:00 -0500

The 2013 Nissan LEAF added another award to its trophy case with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick" designation, which recognizes vehicles for excellent performance in four passenger safety tests.

The 2013 Nissan LEAF achieved the Institute’s highest rating of “Good” in front, side, rollover and rear crash tests.

Nissan LEAF joins Nissan Altima and Infiniti M37/M56 on the list of 2013 Top Safety Picks.

"Driver and passenger safety are top priorities for Nissan and the 'Top Safety Pick’ designation by IIHS reflects the design and innovation that have gone into this car to make it a practical, no-compromise electric vehicle," said Erik Gottfried, Nissan’s director of electric vehicle sales and marketing. “The new, U.S.-assembled 2013 Nissan LEAF provides customers with a remarkable level of value, comfort and security at prices competitive with gas-powered cars in a fun-to-drive package."

Standard 2013 LEAF safety systems include Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection, 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver's seat ELR only) with pretensioners and load limiters, child seat upper tether anchor, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system and child safety rear door locks. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are also standard on all LEAF models.

“The IIHS 'Top Safety Pick’ recognition speaks to the ‘zone body construction’ design from Nissan’s Safety Shield Concept to help protect occupants in a wide variety of crash scenarios,” said Robert Yakushi, Nissan director of product safety.

GM Recalls eAssist Hybrids for Control Module Check

Mon, 06 May 2013 12:52:00 -0500

General Motors is recalling 38,197 Chevrolet Malibu Eco and Buick LaCrosse and Regal eAssist hybrids from the 2012 and 2013 model year sold in the United States to screen the generator control module for proper operation.

The Chevrolet Malibu Eco and Buick LaCrosse and Regal eAssist hybrids may have a condition in which the generator control module may not function properly.

This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of a malfunction indicator light. If these warnings are ignored, the engine may stall. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and, in rare instances, a fire in the trunk.

The issue is the potential overheating of the circuit boards in the generator control module, but it does not involve the eAssist battery.

GM said it is aware of generator control board incidents, most of which have occurred within first 1,000 miles of operation. Vehicles built after December 2012 are not part of the recall.

GM knows of one trunk fire but no injuries or crashes related to this condition.

Nissan LEAF Now Available from $39,990 in Australia

Sat, 04 May 2013 04:14:00 -0500

Nissan Australia has reduced the price of its slow-selling LEAF electric car in Australia, for the second time since December, to drive-away price of $39,990.

The new drive-away figure equates to $36,000 before on-road costs are added, which makes the Nissan LEAF at least $15,000 cheaper than the price it was introduced in June 2012.

Nissan says the reduced price is designed to broaden the appeal of the LEAF EV, and to "capture the attention of buyers considering an EV who might have previously been put off by the comparatively higher purchase price" of electric vehicles.

Buyers should note that the Nissan LEAF now available in Australia is not the updated model, which offers a reduced kerb weight and a 30km boost to its driving range.

“Nissan has taken a number of pioneering steps with the LEAF electric car,” said William F. Peffer Jr., Managing Director and CEO at Nissan Australia. “This is an exceptional car and we are keen to make it more appealing to Australian new-car buyers.

“I encourage anyone considering a small car to drive a Nissan LEAF first, especially if you live in an urban area. First-time drivers of the Nissan LEAF are surprised by its fun-to-drive nature and owners never seem to grow tired of not having to buy petrol. The Nissan LEAF should be on the shopping list of every Small Car buyer,” he said.

Tesla Motors Raises Model S Resale Value Guarantee

Fri, 03 May 2013 13:49:00 -0500

Tesla Motors is raising the Model S resale value guarantee to be the highest of any premium sedan brand made in volume (excludes rare, low volume or limited edition vehicles).

Buying a Model S through the Tesla financing offering now comes with a guarantee that the resale value will be higher than that of BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Lexus or Jaguar.

To protect people that have already purchased a Model S via this program, the guarantee will extend retroactively to anyone that made use of Tesla financing, created in partnership with US Bank and Wells Fargo, from when it was first announced on April 2, 2013. As with the prior resale guarantee, this higher number is also backed personally by Tesla CEO Elon Musk to give owners complete peace of mind about the long term value of the product.

In addition, Tesla’s financing partners have agreed to provide longer term loans that reduce the monthly payment considerably. Those who buy the Model S electric car for personal use will now pay a monthly rate of $580 taking only gasoline savings into account. When purchased via a business, assuming 70% of miles are for business use, the depreciation benefit further reduces the effective monthly cost of owning a Model S down to $315.

“We appreciate the feedback from a number of journalists and customers that the first version of our financing product wasn’t quite right,” said Tesla Co-founder & CEO Elon Musk. “They were right, so we are fixing it and, moreover, upping the ante by providing the best resale value guarantee in the automotive industry. The Model S is rated by Motor Trend, Automobile Magazine and many others as the best car of 2013, so it should naturally therefore have the highest resale value.”

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid to Meet New London Congestion Charge Scheme

Fri, 03 May 2013 03:43:00 -0500

With CO2 emissions of just 48g/km, the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will still benefit from the newly confirmed Ultra Low Emission Discount (ULED) for London's Congestion Charge scheme when the new limit of 75g/km of CO2 comes into force on 1st July 2013.

Recently confirmed by Transport for London, the current Greener Vehicle Discount and Electric Vehicle Discount will be replaced by the ULED and bring the CO2 eligibility of vehicles down from 100g/km to 75g/km.

This means that the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will still benefit from free entry into London's Congestion Charge zone as well as reduced parking fees in some areas, at the same time as attracting zero first year vehicle tax and zero annual vehicle tax. Companies purchasing the car also benefit from 100% first year write down allowance.

Volvo's most technically advanced model meets all the criteria laid out in the Mayor's new policy for plug-in hybrids, such as (figures in brackets are for the V60 Plug-in Hybrid):

- Minimum electric range of 10 miles (up to 31 miles)
- Maximum electric speed of at least 60mph (78mph)
- Rechargeable battery pack charged from an external source and combustion engine (11.2kW lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged via standard UK household 3-pin plug and also using the diesel engine)

Hybrid Benefit In Kind taxation was originally expected to rise from the current (2013-14) 5% to 15% in 2015-16. However, the government has now confirmed that vehicles emitting between zero and 50g/km of CO2, which the V60 D6 AWD falls into, will be taxed at 5% in 2015-16 and 7% in 2016-17, instead of the higher 51-75g/km band, taxed at 9% and 11% respectively.

Having recently been announced at the Geneva Motor Show 2013 in March, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid has undergone a number of enhancements to the interior and exterior design and also the addition of a greater choice of colours and available features. Available in SE Lux Nav specification and priced from £48,775 (£43,775 including the £5000 Plug-in Car Grant) on-the-road, it features newly developed technology such as Active Bending Xenon Headlights with permanent high-beam and Cyclist Detection.

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid features a 215hp diesel engine powering the front wheels while a 70hp electric motor powers the rear wheels. It has three selectable modes (Pure, Hybrid and Power) allowing the driver to dictate the way he/she wants to drive. Reaching speeds of up to 78mph in pure electric mode, while offering a 0-60mph time of just 5.8 seconds, all-wheel-drive capability, but still certified to 48g/km of CO2, the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is a completely unique offering in the vehicle marketplace.