Electric and Hybrid Cars

To be available in December 2009 and currently there is a reservation price of $1,000 and expected list price of $35,000.  The car is kind of funky looking, but looks roomy and I do like the doors.  The Alias is 100% electric and recharging is simple via any 110V outlet at home or out and about. It has a range of 100 miles and goes 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds with a max speed of 75+ mph.

For more information on electric cars or hybrids click on the links to the right or use the google search box in the upper right.  Also,  submit a comment or question and I will do my best to answer promptly.  

The Dodge Circuit EV is an all electric plug-in with a range of 150-200 miles and this thing is fast.   With its 200 kW (268 hp) electric motor it goes 0-60 in less than 5 seconds, standing 1/4 low 13’s, and top speed greater than 120 mph.  The body styling looks great and I can’t wait for a test drive of this one.

This car is part of the Chrysler motors new ENVI platform.  The other models are:  Jeep Patriot EV, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV, Chrysler Town & Country EV.  There currently aren’t any prices listed for these vehicles, but I am sure a couple models will be in the mid $20,000’s.  These models will also be available to use the $7,500 federal tax credit.

For more information on electric cars or hybrids click on the links to the right or use the google search box in the upper right.

The 2010 Honda Insight is the cheapest hybrid out there and it shows. This car is definitely a compact and bears no resemblance to the 2006 model (It can fit 3 kids or 2 smaller adults, but headroom is tight).

It is powered by a Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system 1.3-liter VTEC four-cylinder engine with some help during acceleration and recharging of the battery system during coasting and braking.  Altogether, the system produces 123 pound-feet of torque and 98 horsepower.  A start/stop system turns off the gasoline engine to save fuel at stoplights. Unlike the system in the Toyota Prius or Ford vehicles, the hybrid powertrain in the 2010 Honda Insight can’t start up from a standstill on electric power alone, but it can maintain a 30-mph cruise on just electric power.  The 2010 Honda Insight is rated at 40 mpg city, 43 mpg highway.

The expected price of this vehicle is ~ $20,000 and at this price is very affordable and great for younger adults.  You can get a EX version with more options like six speaker audio system, stability control, heated exterior mirrors, etc for ~ $22,000.

The 2010 Chevy volt which is supposed to be launched somtime in 2011 is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with a range of 40 miles between charges.  The Volt’s propulsion system will be based on GM’s new Voltec platform.  The electric power is powered by lithium-ion batteries which can be charged by electrical outlet or gasoline engine.  No external charging station will be required. 

Unlike most current commercially available electric hybrids, the actual propulsion of the Volt is accomplished exclusively by the electric motor.  The gas engine is just for charging.  The range of the Volt is 40 miles on fully charged batteries, but after 40 miles the gas engine takes over and gives the Volt a potential range of 640 miles on one tank of gas.  This is excellent.

The expected price of the vehicle is ~ $40,000, but with the federal tax credit of $7,500 it brings the price to ~ $32,500.  For more information on electric cars click on the links to the right.

Hello all,

There are quite a few hybrid cars out on the market now, but the future is all Electric cars.  Currently there are a few automakers that produce all electric cars, but the distances they can travel before they need to recharge is pretty weak (around 40 miles).  There is however one car maker that produces only electric cars and has had great success with their Roadster.  This automaker is Tesla.  The range is great at 220 miles between charges, but the drawback is the price tag at approximately $120,000.  There is hope though because they are producing a sedan “S” that is approximately $50,000 and has a range of 300 miles between charges.  They are going to have a limited number of models in 2011, but a lot more in 2012.

Now you ask “okay that sounds great, but where are the charging stations”.  Well, it all depends on where you live, but in California there are a ton and a lot of times you can get free charges (such as at malls or Costco’s etc.)..  The Tesla’s come with a few charging options:  quick charge where you can plug into a normal 110V socket, or regular charge at your home or charging station.  If the battery cells are totally drained you can get a complete charge in 3.5 hours.  They recommend plugging it in at night so that you will always have a full charge.

The best hybrid out there is the 2010 Toyota Prius (3rd generation).  It gets approximately 51 mpg and has a rather cool sunroof package that has solar panels that powers an electric air condtioning system.  The main drawback is the power which it has a a few horsepower ~ 134 hp (100 kW), but nothing compared to the Tesla Model S ~ 248 hp (185 kW).  One advantage is the price though which starts at $22,000, but can get up to $31,000 with the fully loaded version.  Let me hear from everyone on their opinions on what you prefer. For more information on electric cars click on the links to the right.