Revenge of the Electric Car

JANUARY 27, 2009

Andy Frank makes the observation that parallel hybrids (Toyota Prius) are cheaper than series hybrids (Chevy Volt). To date, the relatively high cost of batteries has kept electric and plug-in vehicles at the fringes of the auto industry. The onboard gas engine largely exists to recharge the batteries for the electric engine.

Plug-in 124

Plug-in Bright Automotive Plug Cars 124

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

APRIL 21, 2009

Saab GM-owned company exploring PHEVs Joint Venture with Volvo and others to research PHEVs Toyota 500 PHEV 2010-model Priuses with lithium batteries to be leased for fleet tests in 2009 (150 in U.S.) Volvo Ford-owned company exploring PHEVs "ReCharge" flex-fuel series 60-mile concept PHEV w/wheel motors.

Plug-in 45

Plug-in Plug Hybrid PHEV 45

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

APRIL 28, 2009

The electricity for recharging has to come from somewhere, which means power plants. Toyota still has not made any money on the Prius. While Id been harsh on the need for outside recharge stations in the past, actually an intermediate charge may extend battery life. Uncharacteristically, Toyota is blaming this on the floormats!!

Manufacturer 34

Manufacturer Electric Cars Cars i-MiEV 34

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

APRIL 16, 2009

It was started by a chemist and government researcher named Wang Chuan-Fu in 1995 (same year as Yahoo) to make rechargeable batteries, which it learned to do very well. Within a few years, BYD’s batteries were cheaper and just as reliable as those made by industry giants ony and Sanyo. BYD is an amazing company.

Chinese 28

Chinese Companies Electric Cars BYD 28