Electric vehicle owners ought not to hesitate to ask for discounts either. Insurance companies vary in their discount policies. However, most providers offer discounts based on factors such as anti-theft devices, safety equipment, and more. Drivers with an excellent driving history can expect to get a considerable reduction in their premium since they are considered low risk. Many insurance companies offer discounts for multiple insurance policies purchased from them. Returning customers are also offered a discount on their premiums, so when it is time for renewal you ought to consider insuring your electric vehicle with the same provider if you are satisfied with their services. There are many providers that offer at least a 5% discount for using a vehicle with green hybrid technology.

One way to lower insurance premiums on your electric vehicle is to raise the deductible. Paying a higher deductible in the event of a claim can lower insurance costs considerably. However, make sure you can afford to pay the amount upfront in case you make a claim in the event of an accident, theft, or any other reason. Removing optional coverage such as roadside assistance, personal liability as long as the minimum requirement is met, and underinsured coverage, can also reduce premiums. However, make sure you do not compromise on coverage for a few dollars and end up with out of pocket expenses that could be hard to deal with.

While the prospects of hybrid and electric vehicle insurance falling in the future are bright, owners need to make sure they do their homework well and find the best possible coverage at an affordable price. The bottom line is to research well and not hesitate to ask your insurance company for discounts based on many of these factors.

Bruno Scrosati, Yang-Kook Sun, and colleagues point out that consumers have a great desire for electric vehicles, given the shortage and expense of petroleum. But a typical hybrid car can only go short distances on electricity alone and they hold less charge in very hot or very cold temperatures. With the government push to have one million electric cars on U.S. roads by 2015, the pressure to solve these problems is high. To make electric vehicles a more realistic alternative to gas-powered automobiles, the researchers realized that an improved battery was needed.

The scientists developed a high-capacity nanostructured tin-carbon anode, or positive electrode, and a high-voltage lithium-ion cathode, the negative electrode. When the two parts are put together, the result is a high-performance battery with a high energy density and rate capacity. “On the basis of the performance demonstrated here, this battery is a top candidate for powering sustainable vehicles,” he researchers say.”

The authors acknowledge funding from WCU (World Class University) program through the Korea Science and Engineering Foundation.

The roofless design is reminiscent of the Smart Crossblade from 2002 but don’t be fooled, this is only a diversion of its true purpose – to preview the design of the next-generation fortwo and resurrected forfour five-door models.

In an interview with Mercedes head of design, Steffen Kohl told Auto Express, “Look at the fullness of the car’s exterior surfaces. This is important and will be reflected in future production models”.

The Forspeed is powered by a 40bhp (40 PS / 30 kW) electric motor mounted in the rear and has a range of 84 miles (135 km). There is also a 7bhp (7 PS / 5 kW) overboost feature which is activated by a flick of a switch. Top speed is 75 mph (120 km/h).

Exterior features include a honeycomb mesh grille, LED headlamps, photovoltaic solar cells in the base of the windscreen and a hidden plug-in socket under the smart badge on the rear which leads down to a lithium-ion battery.

Like current smart models the interior pursues a “downsized premium” design as seen in the exposed mounting bolts in the door panels, center console and steering wheel. However, the shiny plastics with brushed aluminum and brown and green leather accents focus your attention elsewhere.

For the gadget saavy, smart has included a smart phone dock display console on the passenger side of the dash board. Surely real world safety concerns emerge as it forgoes an airbag and acts as an object that could cause head injury in a frontal collision, but this is just a concept and has no intentions of making it to production, according to Smart boss Dr. Annette Winkler.

An electric powered scooter and bicycle will be accompanying the Forspeed in Geneva. They are expected to hit the market in early 2013 followed by the next generation fortwo and fourfour models in 2014.

The following vehicle specifications are being manufactured for the purpose of the above mentioned field tests:

1. Single Motor Concept

- Base vehicle, Porsche 997 Carrera
- Electric motor (180 kW) and inverter from Siemens AG
- Porsche production gearbox used for speed reduction
- Lithium-ion batteries with an energy capacity of 29 kWh
- Integrated charger, DCDC-converter, plug, socket and charging cable
- interior heating
- Data recording unit for analysis and documentation of the charging/ discharging, journey and component data
- Driving range approximately 150 km, maximum speed about 220 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about 7 seconds

2. Twin Motor Concept with 2-speed Gearbox

- Base vehicle, Porsche 997 Carrera
- Two transversely mounted Siemens synchronous electric motors (250 kW) with double inverters
- Automatic 2 speed gearbox, limited slip differential
- Liquid cooled and heated lithium ion battery with an energy capacity of 36,6 kWh
- Integrated charger, DCDC-converter, plug, socket and charging cable
- interior heating
- Data recording unit for analysis and documentation of the charging/ discharging, journey and component data
- Driving range approximately 200 km, maximum speed about 220 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5 seconds

3. Twin Motor concept with Torque Vectoring

- Base vehicle, Porsche 997 Carrera
- Two transversely mounted Siemens synchronous electric motors (250 kW) with double inverters
- Two seperate angular bevel gearboxes for independent rear wheel drive
- Liquid cooled and heated lithium ion battery with an energy capacity of 36,6 kWh
- Charging via inverter, DCDC-converter, plug, socket and charging cable
- interior heating
- Data recording unit for analysis and documentation of the charging/discharging, journey and component data
- Driving range approximately 200 km, maximum speed about 180 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5 seconds

All eRUF field test vehicles receive an individual technical approval certificate from the German inspection agency (TÜV).

“The electrical mobility is a central challenge of the coming years and the engineers at Porsche would like to contribute with the usual excellence of them to be resolved. The Boxster E will help us as mobile laboratories in solving the practical problems of electric vehicles the way that our customers expect, “Matthias Müller said at the launch of the Boxster E. could aim of this project, said Müller, with three purely electrically driven Boxster experiences on the practicality and user behavior – especially when driving and shop – to win. From this, researchers gain insight into requirements for future products, and the inclusion of electric vehicles in infrastructure.

Baden-Württemberg Minister President Stefan Mappus also highlights the signaling effect of the project: “Together with the automotive industry, we want to trigger the development of sustainable mobility in the Stuttgart region and thus the peak position of the state of Baden-Württemberg consolidate in mobility and expand. Porsche is an important partner to expand with its high technology products, the range of electric vehicles from Baden-Württemberg in the sports car segment. ” And Dr. Walter Rogg, manager of the Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation (WRS), praises the Porsche’s commitment: “With the commitment to the Porsche proves electric mobility vision. If a premium manufacturer, invested with a unique sporting profile in this future market time and money, this is an important contribution to helping the automotive Stuttgart region can maintain and expand its technology leadership and “.

Stuttgart is one of eight “model regions Electric Mobility in Germany, which will be implemented by mid-2011 pilot projects for electric vehicles and electric infrastructure. The model region of Stuttgart is funded under the federal “e-mobility in model regions”. Overall, the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (Germany) for Germany eight model regions around 130 million euros from the economic stimulus package available. The program is coordinated by the National Organization NOW GmbH hydrogen and fuel cell technology. Federal Minister Peter Ramsauer, “We need market-ready products that inspire and persuade the user in practice. We therefore support the research and demonstration of electric vehicles in everyday use. The day passed electric vehicle shows that sustainable transport can be associated with fun. With innovative ideas, we can be Leitanbieter lead market for electric vehicles. It opened for business location and export nation Germany entirely new possibilities. ”

The Porsche Boxster offers with its concept mid-engine sports car is the ideal vehicle basis for the practice-oriented testing of the electric drive: The open two-seater is very light and allows the new components, electric motor, battery and high voltage technology crash safely accommodate the vehicle. At the same time to guarantee performance level of a Boxster S with conventional, verbrennungsmotorischem drive the sustainable sports cars fascination with new technology. The Boxster e are driven depending on the configuration of up to two electric motors totaling 180 kW. As an energy storage battery is used with a capacity of 29 kilowatt hours.

“We are extremely well-positioned and prepared for growth as the electrification market continues to develop and expand.”

“This fleet order from Audi further validates the ability of our products to meet the demanding requirements of major automotive customers,” said Eric R. Ridenour, President and CEO of UQM Technologies. “We are extremely well-positioned and prepared for growth as the electrification market continues to develop and expand.”

The UQM PowerPhase engine range is a lightweight electric drive motor and controller. This power-dense, brushless, permanent-magnet engine range can be supplied with up to 300 Nm of peak torque and 125 kW of peak power. The controller features CAN bus, serial communications and diagnostic capability.

In addition to a full line of electric propulsion systems, UQM recently completed the validation of its volume production lines with annual capacity of 40,000 units.

“Our solid history in developing electric propulsion systems has enabled us to secure another major international OEM fleet build program,” said Ridenour.

Automobile manufacturers typically build test fleets to evaluate new technologies and vehicles that are under development prior to their market launch.

UQM Technologies is a developer and manufacturer of power-dense, high-efficiency electric motors, generators and power electronic controllers for the automotive, aerospace, military and industrial markets. A major emphasis for UQM is developing products for the alternative-energy technologies sector, including propulsion systems for electric, hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell electric vehicles, under-the-hood power accessories and other vehicle auxiliaries. UQM headquarters, engineering, product development center and manufacturing operation are located in Longmont, Colorado.

The battery plant is being built on a 30,450-square meter plot of land belonging to the Renault CACIA gearbox assembly plant following an investment of 156 million euros. The facility will start operations in December 2012 and will have a total capacity of 50,000 units a year. About 200 jobs are expected to be created by the new plant.

“The Cacia plant will be one of three facilities in Europe supplying batteries to electric vehicles produced by the Alliance, starting with the 100% electric Nissan LEAF. Together, the three plants will enable the Alliance to rollout electric vehicles in Europe on an unprecedented scale, bringing the world one step closer to a zero-emission future,” said Nissan’s Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Last April, Nissan began construction of a battery plant in Sunderland, United Kingdom, which will start operations in early 2012 with an annual capacity of 60,000 units. Renault’s battery plant in Flins, France will have a total production capacity of 100,000 units a year.

Philippe Klein, Renault’s Executive Vice-President of Corporate Planning, Product Planning and Programs, said: “The inauguration of the Cacia battery plant is another concrete step in the electric mobility revolution spearheaded by the Alliance. The plant will supply batteries for one of the four electric vehicles in the Renault Z.E. range, Fluence Z.E., which will be launched in autumn 2011.”

Renault’s gearbox plant in Cacia, 244 km north of Lisbon, was chosen as the site for the new battery facility thanks to its easy access to road, rail, sea and air transportation. The project also benefitted from support from the Portuguese government who shares the Alliance’s vision for zero-emission mobility.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance aims to be a global leader in zero-emission mobility. By 2015, the Alliance will have the capacity to produce 500,000 electric vehicles and batteries at its plants around the world, making it the only automotive group in the world to build electric vehicles and batteries on this scale.

The Alliance is taking a comprehensive approach towards the mass-marketing of electric vehicles which encompasses both the product and the infrastructure. To date, Renault and Nissan have entered into more than 90 partnerships with governments, municipal authorities and companies around the world to put in place the necessary incentives and infrastructure for the successful adoption of such vehicles.

In 2008, Portugal became the first country in Europe to partner with the Alliance for zero-emission mobility. The country is building an extensive network of charging stations and this summer expects to have installed 1,350 units across the nation, including 50 quick chargers　

Nissan delivered nine Nissan LEAFs to the Portuguese electric mobility consortium MOBI.E and one to the Portuguese government in December ahead of the car’s official launch to individual customers in Europe shortly.

The keys to the cars were handed over to the CEO’s of the nine companies belonging to the consortium by Carlos Tavares, Executive Vice-president Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Pierre Loing, Vice President Product Strategy & Planning Nissan International SA and Diogo Jardim, Country Director Nissan Iberia SA – Portugal, at a ceremony in Lisbon.

“Companies such as EDP, Efacec, Critical Software, Martifer and Siemens, which, together, have developed MOBI.E’s charging solution, want to set an example by being the first entities to acquire electric vehicles for their fleets. The existence of a charging network constitutes the most crucial element in the affirmation of the electric vehicle. With MOBI.E – the most advanced and intelligent solution for charging worldwide – the incentives and legal frame as defined by the Government, Portugal brings together all the essential conditions to become the first Living Lab for electric vehicles”, said João Dias, on behalf of MOBI.E.

At the ceremony, Tavares also handed over a set of keys to the Portuguese government who receives one Nissan LEAF on loan for test-drive purposes.

Prime Minister José Sócrates, who accepted the keys on behalf of the government, said:

“We are extremely pleased to be introducing the electric vehicle in Portugal. After 3 years of collaborative work between the Government, public entities, the corporate consortium which developed the MOBI.E solution and Nissan, we have achieved the first smart, built-in charging network on a national scope, therefore we are the first country to welcome electric vehicles. By combining in a pioneer manner our commitment to renewable energies, the implementation of the smart charging network and the introduction of electric vehicles, Portugal will be in the lead of the transition to a more sustainable future.”

Portugal was the first country in Europe to establish a direct electric vehicle partnership with the Renault-Nissan Alliance in November 2008, signing an agreement to build a widespread recharging network at Portugal and to promote the benefits of zero emission mobility. MOBI.E, which is installing the network, has already set up charging points in 25 cities across the country Another 1,300 normal chargers and 50 fast chargers will be set up by Summer 2011.

“Today marks the start of a zero-emission mobility era in Portugal, one of the first countries in the world to adopt a nationwide electric mobility policy. We are honoured to be part of this new chapter in Portugal’s history with the 100% electric Nissan LEAF. Portugal’s commitment to environmental progress will inspire many other countries”, said Tavares.

Nissan LEAF, which was recently awarded European Car of the Year 2011, is powered by a compact electric motor, which drives the front wheels. The AC motor develops a power output of 109PS and 280Nm of torque, enough for a maximum speed of 145 km/h. The electric motor is powered by a Nissan-developed laminated lithium-ion battery with an output of more than 90kW. The car has a range of 175 km (New European Driving Cycle) between charges, making it a practical proposition for many urban drivers.

Deliveries to customers have already begun in Japan and the United States while in Europe, deliveries to Portugal, Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands will start in the first quarter of 2011. Production of the car, which is currently being manufactured in Japan, is due to start in Sunderland, in the UK, from early 2013.

Nissan’s innovative thinking extends beyond zero-emission mobility. Under the PURE DRIVE label, Nissan manufactures an extended line-up of environmentally friendly, internal combustion engine vehicles offering class-leading fuel efficiency supported by advanced green technologies. Next year will see the arrival of the fourth generation Nissan Micra powered by a supercharged version of an all-new 1.2-litre three cylinder direct injection petrol engine with an Idling Stop system to offer spirited performance and CO2 emissions of just 95g/km.

The day before 100% Electric cars start arriving in showrooms, a new documentary “What is the Electric Car?” will have its Hollywood premiere to answer the many questions millions have about electric cars. This timely feature film contains insightful interviews with key manufacturers, vendors, drivers & pioneers in the Electric Vehicle (EV) industry predicted to explode over the next 12 months and create thousands of jobs as new cars like the Chevy VOLT, Nissan Leaf start arriving in showrooms this week joining the dozen other EV offerings now available or taking reservations for 2011 deliveries. Viewers will likely consider these new EVs (which plug into a 110 outlet & don’t use a drop of gasoline or oil), before purchasing their next car. Warren Buffet has quoted: “All cars will be electric in 20 years”.

The Hollywood premiere of the film will be held at the historic Lloyd E.
Rigler Theatre at the Egyptian on December 14th. “Thanks to our friends at the North American Int’l. Auto Show and many auto sponsors (including Nissan, Chevrolet, and ZAP), we have over ten (10) different electric vehicles on display which many of our guests attending the premiere will get to see for the very first time.” remarks Producer Cam MacGregor. Many celebrities have also contributed to this “green themed”, enlightening film including Jay Leno (who let producers in his garage to film him driving his 1908 Baker Electric), Ed Begley, Jr. (filmed at the ‘Go Green Expo’), and “Baywatch” star and EV activist Alexandra Paul who hosted a behind the scenes chapter for the DVD. Renowned Artist Romero Britto (www.Britto.com) spent the last 2 months painting the world’s 1st BRITTO TM electric car (a Tango T-600 Commuter Car), and Chábeli Iglesias just signed on to host the film’s Spanish language version of the film which will be available for Latin American and Spanish speaking markets early next year.

Nemours Marketing President Scott duPont (also the Host & Producer of the film) developed a unique marketing strategy, which Robin Rowe (President of MovieEditor.com) found brilliant. In addition to soon releasing the film through traditional DVD, TV, and V.O.D. outlets, duPont’s company has partnered with EV companies and individual car dealers like Santa Monica Nissan to sponsor these screenings (eliminating the enormous P & A marketing budget to screen in theaters). Nemours saves $10,000 – $25,000 of traditional marketing expenses for each screening, while the car dealers invite hundreds of potential customers to see what Bruce Gast (President, ElectricCars.com) calls a “75 minute infomercial for electric cars”.

Premiere attendees on December 14th will be treated to a cavalcade of all-electric cars dropping guests off at the “green” carpet in addition to the impressive display of EVs in the Egyptian courtyard with many of the electric cars “starring” in the film including the rare appearance of the Progressive Automotive X-Prize top prize winner, the E-Tracer. After the screening, the audience will be treated to a Q & A and a FREE electric car giveaway to one of the film’s lucky FaceBook friends.

The film has already screened in several cities including the Colony Theater in Miami Beach where the BrittoTM Tango was unveiled on stage as the end credits rolled. Producers are in the planning stages of at least a dozen other cities including Santa Rosa & San Francisco before taking the film back east to New York and then on to Barcelona, Spain. Producer Cam MacGregor predicted there would be a need for this film a year ago, but with the film’s unveiling the night before electric cars start arriving in showrooms, he predicts: “It will be like Christmas Eve. Millions of people are going to want to look under the tree!”

The film was shot on locations around Michigan, California, Florida, including Jay Leno’s Garage, the Petersen Automotive Museum, the Int’l.

“We’re very impressed with the Transit Connect,” said Mark Cohen, director, Licensing Division, Boston Police Department. “It’s the closest thing to a purpose-built vehicle for taxi use that I’ve seen in 25 years.”

Boston, the 10th largest metropolitan area in the United States, regulates which types of vehicles can be used as taxicabs in its city streets. To be approved for taxi use, a vehicle must meet basic size requirements for headroom, legroom and cargo space.

“The size, shape and configuration of the Transit Connect make it comfortable for both driver and passengers,” said Cohen. “When the Ford Crown Victoria goes out of production next year the taxi industry here in Boston and throughout the country is going to be looking for alternatives. I think the Transit Connect Taxi fits the bill.”

The roomy, flexible interior of the Transit Connect – 2010 North American Truck of the Year – is perfectly suited for taxi service. Its open architecture provides excellent interior headroom and passenger visibility and, with 6.5 inches of ground clearance, passengers step easily through the sliding doors.

With its standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine and automatic transmission, the conventionally powered Transit Connect is expected to deliver an estimated 30 percent improvement in fuel economy versus many of today’s traditional taxis.

Because taxi operators also asked for a version that runs on alternative fuels, Ford is offering new engine prep packages that allow conversions to both compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied propane gas (LPG).

“The vehicle’s cargo area easily accommodates CNG tanks directly behind the second-row seat, still allowing ample luggage storage,” said Gerald Koss, Ford fleet marketing manager.

Both CNG and LPG lower taxi fleets’ operating costs and are better for the environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CNG is less expensive and burns cleaner than gasoline, resulting in 30 to 40 percent less greenhouse gas emissions. Propane also burns cleaner than gasoline.

Built on a dedicated commercial vehicle platform tested to meet Ford’s light commercial vehicle durability standards, Ford’s new Transit Connect Taxi also features a wiring upfit package, vinyl flooring and standard third-row windows – all of which are factory-installed.

“We really tailored the vehicle to provide comfort and convenience for both driver and passengers,” said Chief Engineer Rob Stevens.

He and Koss spent a good part of 2009 taking the Transit Connect Taxi concept to taxi owners and operators in major markets across the United States, gaining valuable feedback that helped Ford further refine the taxi.

“We moved the rear seat back three inches, added a grab handle for passengers to get in and out of the vehicle, and we installed a ventilation unit to heat and cool the second row,” said Stevens. “We also added vinyl seats, which taxi operators said they wanted because of their durability.”

Technology on the go
Ford – the industry leader in the taxi business for decades with the Crown Victoria and Escape Hybrid – also is collaborating with Creative Mobile Technologies (CMT) to integrate premier payment processing and passenger information technologies in the taxi, including an 8.4-inch electronic infotainment and navigation screen that shows cab fares, news, weather, sports scores and stock ticker. The passenger can select programming, following the taxi’s route on a map and scroll through a list of points of interest.

Ford and CMT also are developing strategies for potential integration of Ford Work Solutions™, a suite of productivity technologies for business owners providing a wireless in-dash computer with full high-speed Internet access and navigation.

“Ford continues to invest in fuel-efficient new engines, deliver more technologies and product features in our vehicles, and listen to what people – including taxi fleet operators – really want,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “Ford is committed to offering new solutions and maintaining our leadership as America’s No. 1 taxi company.”