When it comes to cars, I am not very literate with this subject but nevertheless, I get very excited at the very thought of electric cars besides the fast and snazzy ones. This time around General Motors has come up with an exciting announcement saying it will design, develop and manufacture electric motors of its own making them the first-of-its-kind in the U.S. This is a definitely a welcome change, and other big carmakers should follow the same suit.

However, the project doesn’t seem to be coming that easy financially. Apparently, General Motors is going to invest a whopping sum of $246 million for this mission that will start production for 2013. According to Pete Savagian, one of the head employees of General Motors, they will produce their own battery packs and electronics.

Looks like General Motors is in no rush to manufacture electric motors. They believe in doing thorough research and building a good electric motor that ensures the electrical analog of the engine meets its strict requirements. I hope they come up with more such cars so that it will be easier to control pollution.

Via: AutoBlog

Such stream-lined designs have been part of innovations in eco-technology among automobiles a lot lately. But this one is touted to have been more inspired by simulators and video games. The car is still a concept.

It has been designed in a way to change its shape from horizontal to vertical which is more like sleeping and standing up positions, in cases when it must adapt to urban traffic snarls.

The vehicle is controlled by a revolving electric motor located under the armrest. You can use your hands to apply breaks at the end of the left armrest and accelerator on the right.

In effect, it virtually allows you to enjoy the thrill of sledding on the road. Its touch controls however ensure a safe and comfortable ride. A pity that it is meant only for a single person ride.

The vehicle may come in handy for those who love some adventure on roads, but if you have a family, think twice about such a concept.

Via: Pagesperso Orange

For all those who love the classic cars, have a sense of history and simply adore the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Supercar, this is probably the most electrifying of all electric cars on the planet. Mercedes-Benz has finally made it official that it will be making an electric version of the original supercar that stole the show and the latest green and eco-friendly version of the SLS AMG will not just sport an electric drive but will match the petrol version’s performance torque for torque!

The AWD car will have separate transmissions for both axles and electric motors at each wheel, which will end up giving the car a combined output of 526 horsepower enabling it to get from o to 60 mph in mere 4 seconds! All this the moment you plug in your key and start the engine; making the electric version of the SLS AMG a supercar indeed. Just like its predecessor in the gasoline format, the Gullwing doors and the light-body along with great aerodynamics ensure both efficiency and style combined.

The SLS electric version’s motors will be fueled by a 400-volt liquid cooled, high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack delivering 40 Ah of current and while its range is still undisclosed it will surely be a ride that is going to be a lot quieter than the V-8 version, making your life a lot more peaceful. While the Tesla Motors could have a part to play when it comes to the EV components, the day it hits the stores will be a day many will be excited… including us, of course!

Via: Gas2

McDonald has been famous as a brand that gives its customers something beyond the mundane and a little bit extra to keep them always smiling. It was first Wi-Fi for those who drove in and now it is electric recharge for the few eco-conscious, who are already sporting electric cars. The move is something that is both a good commercial step and gives the firm some decent coverage in the media which will lap up any news that promotes emission-free mode of commuting.

The initiative will be started in Cary North Carolina, where McDonalds will be the first to offer car recharging via the ChargePoint Networked Charging Stations. This addresses one of the major issues that are hindering the progress of electric vehicles and their increased share in the market- lack of charging stations which allow you to recharge after a long drive. While this may not mean much in regards to cutting down emissions drastically, it will be a huge relief for those few who actually own an electric car and have a McDonald ‘charging unit’ not too far away. For the rest of the world though, we will all have to wait a bit longer…

Via: novacharge / mychargepoint / slipperybrick

With the governments all over the world working towards environmental conservation, the mayors of San Francisco and other Bay Area cities have promised to smear the region with electric-vehicle charging stations. On Thursday, they divulged plans to work with Palo Alto start-up called Better Place on a $1 billion plan to build re-charging infrastructure needed to bring more electric cars on to the roads and aim to set up the system in place by 2012.

Headed by an ex-SAP executive Shai Agassi, Better Place will soon put in 250,000 charging ports, 200 battery-exchange stations and a control center to service electric cars at businesses, public parking places and homes. With backing from Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and Australia’s Macquarie Capital Group, Agassi doesn’t plan to ask the cities for money. The start-up will give customers an electric vehicle with company’s batteries at a reduced rate with a subscription to drive a certain number of miles.

Better Place will be working with Renault-Nissan to supply electric cars and foresees a range of electric vehicles from General Motors, Toyota, Silicon Valley electric-car startup Tesla Motors and others for Bay Area. Very soon, the region will rise to be the country’s electric car capital.

Source: MercuryNews

Here is good news for all those who love race cars. Six consummate designers contributed their innovative thoughts to design Mazda Kaan which, displays the creativity of advanced technology of the modern world is exclusively designed to compete in the E1 races. Kaan was inspired by the electric fields and textures of a lightning bolt.

This car is gaining popularity in the international motor sports. It is highly eco friendly and does not produce any harmful emissions despite crowning you with 250 mph. This is made possible as it uses a sub-level electro conductive polymer that stimulates the power of electric cars in the modern world. The car has a cockpit that acts as a capsule and assures safety for the driver. It is navigated by individual drivers but the teams comprise of thirty cars which run on the same track. This car uses the same strategies applied in cycling peletons. The unique designs around the powerful electric wheels are very fascinating.

The E1 racers should definitely give a serious thought about this unique car that will grant you victory for your team. So, go ahead guys Mazda Kaan is all yours.

Via: Tuvie\LaAutoShow

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