AutoblogGreen -- We Obsessively Cover the Green Scene

Video

Don Garlits drives electric Swamp Rat #37 in preparation of record attempt

Posted Jan 16th 2013 1:47PM

"Big Daddy" Don Garlits is a legend in drag racing. Over the decades he's set a lot of records, and was the first to break hit 200 miles per hour in the quarter-mile (and the eighth-mile, for that matter). Now, at the tender age of 81, he's getting ready to do it again. This time, in an electric dragster.

Lawless EV Racing, the guys behind the world's quickest electric motorcycle, have put together Swamp Rat #37 for Mr Garlits with the express purpose of warping down the track in six seconds at speeds in excess of 200 mph.The elongated machine depends on three Zilla controllers to send 1500 kW – the equivalent of 2012 horsepower – from the custom High Tech Systems battery pack to the General Electric series DC motor.

The project arose after Big Daddy's previous electric dragster experience – some match races in cars with golf cart-like performance – had left him with the impression that EVs are slow. With a little preliminary testing under his belt, Garlits now knows this is not the case.

Scroll on down for video of one test run, along with footage of that match race that provided the impetus for this project. You can see other, slightly clearer, clips here and here. Though the wick wasn't turned up all the way and the vehicle was still incomplete, this latest Swamp Rat seemed to tear up the first 60 feet of asphalt faster than any EV that's come before it. We are looking to seeing the what this latest Swamp Rat will do once it's ready to play for keepsies.

News Source: NEDRA

Video

SRI's electric Baja buggy is not merely awesome

By Domenick Yoney RSS feed

Posted Jan 6th 2013 4:26PM

Add

We often throw the word "awesome" around when talking about certain electric vehicles with extraordinary capabilities. In the case of the EV1 desert race buggy from Strategic Recovery Institute (SRI) however, the descriptor seems somewhat inadequate. Fabricated by Strategic Racing Designs (SRD) using a Pikes Peak-proven drivetrain from EV West, this thing knocks your everyday "awesome" to the ground with a Chuck Norris reverse roundhouse kick, then chews it up beneath its BF Goodrich Baja T/A KR tires, kicking up a pair of rowdy rooster tails sparkling with tiny bits of awesome in the process. Seriously.

Created with the intention of competing in the SCORE Baja 1000, this beast of a machine carries a pair of swappable 41-kWh battery packs. Each of those sends power to its own Warp 9 DC motor via a dedicated Soliton 1 controller. The parallel power systems allows for mission-critical forward motion if a component happens to fail in flight.

The 400 kW (535 horsepower) from the twin motors is channeled through a four-speed sequential transmission causing mini sand storms to spontaneously erupt whenever the electrons are unleashed. Top speed is said to be 125 miles per hour and it should be able crush its competitors for about 100 miles before needing fresh packs.

While its racing aspirations have not yet been realized, the team is continuing to test and further refine the EV1 with hopes of competing in the NOORA Mexican 1000 this April. You don't have to wait until then to see it in action, however; just scroll on down to watch it play in the giant sand box that is the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. You can also see lots of pics and follow their progress on the SRI Facebook page.

News Source: Strategic Recovery Institute

Two Wheels

Brammo delivers first Empulse electric motorcycle, promises Enertia Plus for January

By Domenick Yoney RSS feed

Posted Dec 14th 2012 8:02AM

Add

"It's been a long time coming – It's well worth the wait" – Tragically Hip

It seems whenever I think about the long awaited arrival of the Brammo Empulse electric motorcycle this chorus begins playing in my head. That's partly because I'm both covertly Canadian and old enough to have had this song seared into memory from extensive radio play in the early '90s, but also because it just fits the situation so well.

The Empulse was first announced back in July of 2010 and was expected to be within the grasp of customers anxious hands about a year later. People got excited. It was to be the world's first commercially available electric bike that could top 100 miles per hour and get over a 100 miles of range from a charge. It also looked sexy enough to hold its own when surrounded by scantily-clad Brammo babes. The reservations poured in.

Then, the company made a move that was simultaneously disappointing and breathtakingly daring. They went back to drawing board which displayed the drivetrain and trashed it. To hear insiders tell it, they decided the single-gear design lacked the performance they thought necessary, and so they took a big gamble by delaying the release and implemented a 6-speed gearbox with integrated motor instead. The price also soared from $13,995 to $18,995 for the top-end Empulse R.

So, was it a prescient business move or will it prove to have been a disastrous decision? Certainly the initial reviews (also here and here) have been quite favorable. With last weekend's delivery of the first bike to a paying patron (pictured above) however, that question can only now begin to be answered. So far, though, it's clear that customer #1 is quite pleased with his purchase and considers it well worth the wait.

Of course, Brammo's future depends on more than just its halo machine and one customer. To that end, the company just offered up more good news. It seems the product log jam has been somewhat cleared and it should also start shipping out it long-time-coming Enertia Plus next month. Game on, for real this time.

News Source: Brammo

Two Wheels

Terry Hershner rides Zero S electric motorcycle in Guiness World Record bid

By Domenick Yoney RSS feed

Posted Dec 13th 2012 1:49PM

Add

Terry Hershner's Zero electric motorcycle in front of Welcome to Tesas sign during Guinness bid

There is currently no distance record for electric motorcycle journeys recorded by Guinness World Records, but there will be soon and Terry Hershner will own it. The Florida resident set off for the Long Beach International Motorcycle Show in California with the dual purpose of attending the event and setting a world record. He appears to have accomplished both.

While most journeys begin with a single step, Terry began his epic expedition on the 21st of November with a 1,000-mile detour down to Miami for a Thanksgiving visit, his Zero S electric motorcycle loaded above the gunnels with all the imaginable gear one might need on this kind of adventure. Camping equipment? Check. Assorted electrical outlet adaptors? Check. Emergency stuck-in-the-middle-of-the-desert solar panel and spare battery pack? Double checkeroni.

Image Credit: Terry Hershner

Video

Does this Exxon Hates Your Children ad cross the line? [w/poll]

By Domenick Yoney RSS feed

Posted Dec 7th 2012 7:58PM

Add

screen capture from Exxon Hates Your Children ad

Our moms always told us that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Sometimes, however, if you take that vinegar and mix it with a bit of olive oil and then drizzle it over some thickly-sliced ripe tomatoes adorned with rings of sweet Vidalia onions, and then sprinkle all that with a few pinches of crushed pepper and sea salt, well, you've got yourself a pretty tasty salad. We raise this culinary quandary to ask this: Is it ever okay to say horribly nasty things about people – or, in this case, a company, which is made of people – to make a good point?

Oil Change International has just released a satirical ad called "Exxon Hates your Children" and is seeking donations to have it broadcast on television. The video make the argument that oil conglomerate Exxon couldn't care less about the welfare of (your) children because it is dedicated to making short-term profits in the face of the long-term climate catastrophe that its products have been linked to. The graphics that accompany the ad bolsters the child-hating claim with graphics that connote the association of asthma with air pollution.

Is it all too much or is there just enough seasoning in there to make the message palatable? Can this kind of gut-punch negative ad produce positive results? Of course, it's not likely that the people who run oil companies really hate your children but, at the same time, the health of the planet – and everyone who lives there – is a serious issue. So, what to do? Should individuals support this kind of activism, or are there better, more constructive, alternatives?

Scroll down to watch the ad for yourself and answer the poll that follows. If you have your own ideas about a more productive approach to the problem, feel free to drop some knowledge in Comments.

News Source: Oil Change International

Two Wheels

Catavolt brings electric motorcycle battle to Australian streets [w/video]

By Domenick Yoney RSS feed

Posted Dec 5th 2012 12:02PM

Add

The Catavolt team has been developing its unique electric motorcycle drivetrain whilst duking it out on racetracks Down Under in the eFX/TTXGP championship for the past couple years. Now, they are bringing the battle to the Australian streets, announcing that the first Catavolt S6 street bike has found a home.

Like the track-going version, the S6 is based on the Daelim VJF250. The space where the gasoline-burning bits used to sit is now home to a 6.2-kWh battery and the motivating force – a single high torque motor from Enertrac – is located in the hub of the rear wheel, eliminating any need for chains and sprockets. Instead of a clutch, the bike uses the left lever to initiate regenerative braking.

This configuration offers a top speed of 120 km/h (75 miles per hour) and a range of 150 km (93 miles). As with all range estimates for electric vehicles (especially motorcycles), real world range will vary with speed and terrain. If that's not enough performance, Catavolt also offers the DU6 sport version, which uses the same dual-motor setup as the race machine and has upgraded suspension to help deal with the increased unsprung rear-wheel weight. That variant has, of course, improved acceleration and tops out at 160 km/h (100 mph).

As well as raw speed, the need for more range can also be addressed. The company offers an optional 6 kWh battery pack that comes in a pair of removable panniers and doubles the distance one can wander. Prices start at $18,000 Australian dollars ($18,860 US at today's rates) for the base model. Scroll down for video to see the S6 in action and meet the first owner. As a bonus, we've also thrown in footage of the race bike laying down a nice practice lap at Daytona International Speedway.

News Source: Catavolt

Los Angeles

Honda Accord PHEV: 115 MPGe for $39,780

By Domenick Yoney RSS feed

Posted Nov 29th 2012 6:01PM

Add

This morning, Honda announced a bunch of impressive numbers for the upcoming 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show. To wit: 115 MPGe, estimated 49 city/45 highway/47 combined fuel economy and an MSRP of $39,780. During the announcement, the Accord PHEV was called the "highest fuel economy of any plug-in vehicle, period."

While for this may hold true for some customers, the fundamental nature of PHEVs means that actual mileage will vary widely, depending on the number of miles one can travel on the energy stored in the battery and the owners driving cycle.

For instance, the Accord with a cord can go about 13 miles before it starts burning gasoline, while the 2013 Chevy Volt – which is rated at "only" 98 MPGe and sports a similar $39,145 price tag – eschews running its internal combustion engine for around 38 miles. Of course, the Volt can only seat four, so perhaps a closer competitor might be the Ford Fusion Energi. It is rated at 100 MPGe, is said to be good for 20 initial gasoline-free miles and has a base price of $39,495.

The Accord plug-in will become the first production vehicle in America to meet the SULEV 20 requirements. The Accord Plug-In Hybrid goes on sale January 15, 2013 in California and New York. We recently got to drive the PHEV, and you can read all about that here.

Related Gallery2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid: LA 2012

Official

Tesla Model S base price increases $2,500 to $59,900

By Domenick Yoney RSS feed

Posted Nov 29th 2012 3:20PM

Add

Black Tesla Model S at sunset with ocean in background.

If you've been saving up pennies to buy a Tesla Model S, you're going to need a bigger piggybank. The California automaker has just announced the price will be going up by $2,500 for US customers ($2,600 in Canada). That comes out to $59,900 for the base version with the 40 kWh battery and $94,400 for the top end Model S Performance with the 85 kWh pack.

Of course, that's before taking the $7,500 federal EV tax credit into account, so in the end those two examples would cost you $52,400 and $86,900, respectively. We had feared the increase might be higher when we first heard it was coming and possibly impact sales, but we don't think the additional dollars will deter many prospective buyers. Especially not since receiving its recent accolades.

Still, if you want to avoid paying the extra amount there's still time to get in on the original deal as the increase only impacts reservations taken after January 1, 2013. Deliveries are said to take place several months after reserving, though with approximately 16,455 already ordered (according to the Tesla-obsessed at Tesla Motors Club) and only about 1,000 of those delivered, it might be August before new customers see this ground-breaking all-electric hatch in their driveway. Scroll below for the official press release.

Related Gallery2012 Tesla Model S: First Drive

News Source: Tesla Motors

Video

EVTV makes out like bandits at Azure Dynamics liquidation, offers up booty

By Domenick Yoney RSS feed

Posted Nov 27th 2012 9:57AM

Add

Across the Do-It-Yourself electric-conversion landscape, there is perhaps no EV drivetrain more longed for than that comprised of a liquid-cooled AC motor mated to a single-speed gearbox. Unfortunately, they are difficult to come by, as the motors are typically only made available to automakers and are usually quite expensive. Gearboxes? Fuggedaboutit.

Now though, a window of opportunity appears to have opened. Azure Dynamics, the bankrupted company behind the drivetrain that powered the ill-fated Ford Transit Connect Electric, has had its assets liquidated and many of the components that were destined for those vehicles have made their way to the open market, courtesy of the folks at EVTV.

You see, what began as a weekly show about converting vehicles to electric drive has expanded to include an online store that sells, as one might imagine, the components necessary to turn gasoline burners into electron sippers. So now, alongside its usual inventory of DC motors, controllers and lithium batteries, one can find an AC induction Siemens motor capable of putting out 150-kW peak power along with the Borg Warner eGearDrive. They also have Brusa 3.3-kW chargers and Azure Dynamics inverters.

If sales of this limited stock go well – and it should, considering some of the very reasonable prices – there is a possibility EVTV may carry the motors and gearboxes direct from the manufacturer in the future, though the prices will likely be higher.

Interested? You can read about the EVTV score on their blog or just scroll on down to watch the Azure episode in its 2-hour entirety.

Two Wheels

CRP Energica prototype debuts at EICMA 2012 [w/video]

By Domenick Yoney RSS feed

Posted Nov 19th 2012 7:46AM

Add

CRP Racing first revealed its Energica electric superbike concept at the epic 2011 edition of EICMA. Now, a year later, a prototype version is on display at that same venue with promises of a finished product in 2014 with sales in both the US and Europe. It should be worth the wait.

The Energica packs a 100-kW (134-horsepower) punch from an oil-cooled permanent magnet AC motor that sends its damage through a single-speed gearbox. No official performance testing has been done, but chief engineer Giampiero Testoni calculates it should swing up to 100 km/h (62 miles per hour) in about 3.3 seconds. Top speed is computer-limited to 220 km/h (134 mph).

The lithium battery nestled within the tubular trellis frame is said to hold 11.7 kW-hours of energy. That should be enough to propel the bike for 150 kilometers (93 miles) at 80 km/h (50 mph), though range will vary with terrain and by which throttle map you've selected by a switch on the left handlebar.

As much as possible, CRP has stuck with high-end Italian components – Brembo brakes, Marchesini wheels, Schedoni seat – but have managed to keep the price down to a relatively reasonable 18,000 Euros ($22,940 at today's rate). The company says it will have a number of options available and also offers some amount of customization, so be prepared to pay a bit more.

Also, don't bet that the bike will look exactly like this prototype. While we suspect that it will have a lot in common, including the front fairing with its twin LED lights, we imagine there will be some further refinement before the final product emerges, perhaps at next years EICMA.

Scroll below for a promotional video featuring the Energica in action on some spectacular cliffside Italian roads, along with a more lengthy clip featuring a pre-show unveiling with more technical details.

News Source: CRP Group

Two Wheels

Lightning Motorcycles uses solar power to set El Mirage speed record at 189 mph

By Domenick Yoney RSS feed

Posted Nov 13th 2012 5:50PM

Add

Lightning Motorcycles is no stranger to setting land speed records. It laid down a 173.388 mile-per-hour marker for electric motorcycles in 2010 on the Bonneville Salt Flats, and then upped the ante significantly in 2011 with a 215.960 mph performance on that same crystalline stage.

For 2012, however, it's switched venues and brought its superbike to the 1.3-mile course that runs downs the El Mirage dry lake bed. Now, that's a lot less real estate than the five-mile stretch available at Bonneville, but the team still managed to achieve something special.

In an effort sponsored by solar technology company SMA, and with LSR veteran Jim Hoogerhyde gripping the handlebars (tightly, we imagine), Lightning flashed down the dusty trail at 189.086 mph. That speed gives the company the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) record for production motorcycles – electric or gas-powered – for that venue.

There two significant things about this achievement. First, the energy for the three runs was supplied courtesy of the sun. Its rays fed a 48-kWh battery pack attached to a mobile solar array, which in turn, fueled the bike's on-board batteries. This is no coal-powered motorcycle.

Second, though wearing a streamlined fairing, the bike is essentially the same machine that the first handful of customers will begin receiving within the next 60 days or so. Yes, Lightning Motorcycles is turning that hard corner from race team and technology developer to actual manufacturer. And that is no small feat.

News Source: Lightning Motorcycles

Image Credit: Art Haynie

Video

Motor Trend pits the Toyota Prius V against the Ford C-Max, has fun

By Domenick Yoney RSS feed

Posted Nov 9th 2012 12:04PM

Add

The Toyota Prius has pretty much ruled the hybrid roost since popularizing the super-efficient market segment over the last decade, but that doesn't mean other automakers aren't trying to catch up. Ford, in particular, has been dabbling with gas/electric drivetrains for some time – think Ford Fusion and Escape hybrids – and now has its own dedicated hybrid model: the C-Max.

If you've ever wondered how the domestic newcomer stacks up against the ensconced champion, wonder no more. Motor Trend has taken Toyota's super-sized Prius V and put it up against the new Ford in a head-to-head video comparison. Not only that, they've had fun doing it.

"Fun in a hybrid?", you ask quizzically. "Yes", we reply, "fun." While the C-Max has inherited the sportiness of the Ford Focus chassis that underpins it, the Prius V has also improved driving characteristics, proving that gas-sipping doesn't necessarily have to come at the expense of ride experience. No, they still aren't canyon-carving sports cars, but they certainly aren't your grandparents family haulers either.

Besides fun, MT also gets down to the serious business of fuel economy. Driving in the style of host and senior features editor Jonny Lieberman (somewhat spiritedly, we imagine) returned mile per gallon figures that were slightly lower in the V than what Toyota advertises, with a bigger drop in the C-Max: 39 and 37 mpg, respectively.

Scroll below to move beyond performance numbers on a sheet and see how the two really stack up against each other. Watch 'till the end where Mr. Lieberman lets slip a sweet little hint about what one might expect from the next Prius.

News Source: Motor Trend

Elon Musk says Tesla Model S variants coming next year

By Domenick Yoney RSS feed

Posted Nov 7th 2012 7:41PM

Add

If variety is the spice of life, then Tesla's Model S should have even more zest next year. Speaking during the company's third quarter financial results conference call, CEO Elon Musk dropped a bit of news that has raised our curiosity to levels of unmitigated distraction. Said Mr. Musk whilst speaking of R&D efforts currently underway:

There are a few other variants of the Model S that we'll come out with next year that I think are going to be pretty exciting, in addition to, of course, really getting into the Model X and starting the initial design work of the 3rd generation mass market vehicle.

Sounds interesting, right? While we can only speculate as to whether these variations on the Model S theme might include changes as drastic as a drop top, we wouldn't be hugely surprised by the addition of all-wheel drive and, perhaps, a more energy-dense battery (100-kWh packs, anyone?).

What is clear is that these future alterations will go beyond just the addition of more options, since those are also in the works. While speaking about the uptake of options in the current offering, Musk revealed that in response to customer demand, the automaker will make available additional features that could be ordered with the car, as well as others that could be installed retroactively.

So, join us, if you will, in an exercise of conjecture and tell us what kind of Model S you would like to see in your garage? A superleggera? A gran turismo? A cabriolet? Go ahead, surprise us!

Two Wheels

Pics Aplenty: 2012 TTXGP World Championship at Daytona

By Domenick Yoney RSS feed

Posted Nov 2nd 2012 11:27AM

Add

It was a small field of five. The stands were completely empty. And yet, the 2012 TTXGP World Championship was pretty frickin' awesome.

For the first time ever the event was being held on American shores – at the historic Daytona International Speedway, no less – and, with the winners from the North American, European and Australian TTXGP series in the paddock, there was a true international flavor.

You've already seen the results and video from the race, but there was so much more going on. Luckily, we had access and snapped shots in the garages, trackside and in the victory lane for the post-race celebrations. We've got a gallery for each of the three days we were in attendance and have kept the images in the sequence in which they were taken so you can follow exactly how things went down. Enjoy clicking!

National Show Coverage

International Show Coverage

We Obsessively Cover the Green Scene…

Exclusive

Bob Lutz: Destino is the Fisker Karma people will actually want

Don Garlits drives electric Swamp Rat #37 in preparation of record attempt

SRI's electric Baja buggy is not merely awesome

Brammo delivers first Empulse electric motorcycle, promises Enertia Plus for January

Terry Hershner rides Zero S electric motorcycle in Guiness World Record bid

Does this Exxon Hates Your Children ad cross the line? [w/poll]

Catavolt brings electric motorcycle battle to Australian streets [w/video]

Honda Accord PHEV: 115 MPGe for $39,780

Related Gallery2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid: LA 2012

Tesla Model S base price increases $2,500 to $59,900

Related Gallery2012 Tesla Model S: First Drive

EVTV makes out like bandits at Azure Dynamics liquidation, offers up booty

CRP Energica prototype debuts at EICMA 2012 [w/video]

Lightning Motorcycles uses solar power to set El Mirage speed record at 189 mph

Motor Trend pits the Toyota Prius V against the Ford C-Max, has fun

Elon Musk says Tesla Model S variants coming next year

Pics Aplenty: 2012 TTXGP World Championship at Daytona

Related GalleryTTXGP 2012 World Championship at Daytona: Friday practice

Related GalleryTTXGP 2012 World Championship at Daytona: Practice and Qualifying

Related GalleryTTXGP 2012 World Championship at Daytona: Race Day

All Makes

All Models

All Makes

All Models

More Automotive News

Autoblog

Engadget

AOL Autos

Translogic

Exclusive Bob Lutz: Destino is the Fisker Karma people will actually want

Related Gallery2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid: LA 2012

Related Gallery2012 Tesla Model S: First Drive

Related GalleryTTXGP 2012 World Championship at Daytona: Friday practice

Related GalleryTTXGP 2012 World Championship at Daytona: Practice and Qualifying

Related GalleryTTXGP 2012 World Championship at Daytona: Race Day

More Automotive News

Exclusive

Bob Lutz: Destino is the Fisker Karma people will actually want