Category: Electric Car News

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Finnish Electric RaceAbout Blitz the Nürburgring [VIDEO]

During a recent Nürburgring expedition the Electric RaceAbout team set a new, greatly improved, lap time.

While testing the latest powertrain improvements and the new Nordschleife Aero-kit Micke Be rgman stopped the timing at 8:23.56. To put this in context the Audi R8 e-tron did it in 8:09.099 while the Mercedes SLS E-Cell set a time of 7:56.234

Due to the limited possibilities for only three complete laps this time there is still room for significant improvement.

According to Micke the new Nokian Hakka Black tyres, the torque vectoring control and Aero-kit combined with the lighter and more powerful battery take the E-RA to a completely new level of performance.

The almost unlimited new potential unleashed by the torque vectoring both improve the car's agility and stability. This was not previously possible with traditional powertrain technologies and together with the team we'll continue to explore the possibilities and improve the technology.

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Kia Soul EV confirmed for 2014 launch

Kia has announced plans to offer a Soul EV in the United States.

Set to go on sale next year, the Soul EV is described as a "natural extension of the Soul's urban-friendly place in the brand's lineup of award-winning vehicles." The company declined to release additional information but said we can expect to learn more at an upcoming auto show.

While Kia is remaining mum on details, our spies have already caught the model undergoing testing. Despite being heavily camouflaged, the photos revealed the model will have a revised grille with an integrated charging port.

Little else is known about the model but previous reports have indicated it could accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 12 seconds, have a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) and travel up to 200 km (124 miles) on a single charge.

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GM creates a Tesla task force

We've already heard reports that General Motors is working on a new electric vehicle with a Tesla Model S-like range of 200 miles (322 km) but new details are starting to emerge about the company's Tesla task force.

In an interview with Reuters, General Motors Vice Chairman Steve Girsky revealed the company has created a new task force to study Telsa and the Model S. The diverse group - which includes product planning, engineering, manufacturing and sales personal - will attempt to learn everything they can about Tesla so they can improve their own future products. As Girsky explained, Tesla is "revolutionizing the business model ... not just how you put an EV together [but] how you go to market with something like this."

While it's unclear what lessons General Motors will learn, the company is reportedly working on a handful of new hybrids and EVs. Besides the 200 mile (322 km) Chevrolet EV, which is expected to cost between $30,000 and $35,000, the company is reportedly developing fuel-efficient flagships which could be badged as Cadillacs and cost more than $100,000.

Source: Reuters

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Porsche 918 Spyder: Engine Technology [VIDEO]

The Porsche 918 Spyder is a plug-in hybrid with four driving modes, two electric motors, and a 4.6 liter mid-mounted V8 engine. E-Drive is an all-electric mode primarily for city driving, with a range of up to 20 miles and a top speed of only 93 mph.

There are also three different “hybrid” modes (Hybrid, Sport, and Race) that use varying degrees of power from both the V8 engine and two electric motors. Hybrid mode is obviously on the more fuel-frugal end, with the engine and electric motors working to optimize fuel economy. Meanwhile Race mode is reserved for on-track shenanigans, with a special sub-mode called “Hot Lap” which unleashes the full fury of the 918 Spyder, with the electric motors providing even more of a power boost.

The 918 Spyder also has a carbon fiber-reinforced monocoque for a curb weight of just over 1,632 kg. But really, it’s all about the cutting edge drivetrain, and while it may remain prohibitively expensive for now, there’s no doubt Porsche is working to bring more economy-minded plug-in hybrids to the roads. The 918 Spyder is merely the R&D test bed.

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Top Gun Scrutineering for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge [VIDEO]

The Clipsal and Schneider Electric Challenger Class single seat aerodynamic masterpieces were presented to Scrutineering on day 2 of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge at the Royal Darwin Showgrounds.

This year’s Bridgestone World Solar Challenge is held from 6th – 13th October. If you can’t make it to Darwin or Adelaide, you can follow the race on Twitter via @tsport100 or @WorldSolarChlg.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. Words and thoughts are entirely my own.