The e-NV200 new model will be based on the existing NV200 currently produced at the plant and will be an important and innovative addition to Nissan’s global range of light commercial vehicles (LCV’s).

e-NV200 will become Nissan’s second all-electric vehicle following the launch of the Nissan LEAF in 2010, underlining Nissan’s long-term commitment to zero emission mobility.

The new model, which represents EUR100 million investment by Nissan in Spain, is expected to create around 700 new jobs at the plant and throughout its local supplier base.

As the sole producer of e-NV200, Barcelona will supply world markets highlighting the growing competitiveness of Nissan’s Spanish industrial operations. Last week a new medium duty truck was allocated to Nissan’s Avila Plant in central Spain.

e-NV200 will provide both businesses and families with functional and roomy interior space and will retain the host of innovative and practical features of the current NV200 line up combined with the most advanced powertrain components of the Nissan LEAF.

This will deliver a driving range similar to the Nissan LEAF on a single charge and similar performance, together with best in class running and maintenance costs.

Nissan;s e-NV200 electric van was revealed as an e-NV200 concept at the Detroit Motor Show in January. The e-NV200 shares its major drivetrain components with the innovative Nissan LEAF. Silent, zero emission power is supplied by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 280Nm of torque. Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, the motor delivers 100% of its torque from start with immediate response bringing excellent acceleration and smooth, comfortable driving feel.

e-NV200 will also make a significant contribution to Nissan’s aim of becoming the world’s largest LCV manufacturer by 2016 as a key pillar of the Nissan Power 88 mid-term plan.

Last year Nissan achieved an historic milestone of selling more than one million LCV’s worldwide in a single year.

The current NV200 line up has already sold around 100,000 units. Its popularity led it to be chosen as the next generation New York City ‘Taxi of Tomorrow’ following a rigorous selection process.

Currently, intensive evaluations of prototype NV200-based electric vehicles are being carried out in Europe. Trials will continue in coming months in order to provide real-world feedback from the most demanding usage. Feedback will help Nissan to fulfill exact customer requirements ahead of the start of production expected in FY13.

With the ability to patrol both on and off road areas, the new police motorcycle offers unique advantages over internal combustion driven machines.

Zero says some agencies are already riding electric motorcycles. It says it has worked with agencies ranging from the Santa Cruz Police Department in a hippy-dippy section of California to the London Metropolitan Police in merry old England to field test the bikes.

The Zero DS Police Motorcycle has everything the average cop would need, like powerful lights, sirens, shotgun mount and side satchels for the extra ammo. It would make cops’ lives easier, by allowing them to literally sneak up on the purps and do their thing with the element of surprise on their side.

The 100% electric powertrain is nearly silent, exhaust free, produces minimal heat, has instant torque from zero rpm and is highly maneuverable. With a ‘fuel’ cost of a penny per mile and a maintenance-free powertrain, the Zero DS Police Motorcycle offers the ability to save your agency money while also giving a tactical advantage.

Advantages of Electric Patrolling
• No shifting; instant torque from 0 rpm
• Lightweight and highly maneuverable
• Maintenance-free powertrain
• Life of motorcycle power pack
• Top speed of 80 MPH
• Maximum 112 miles range on a charge (UDDS)
• Regenerative braking
• Designed for both on or off-road use

The Zero ranges from $15,845 for the 6-kWh version and $18,345 for the 9-kWh bike. Check out www.zeromotorcycles.com for more info.

The company said several customers will receive their Model S electric sedans that day in an invitation-only event at the Tesla factory in Fremont, Calif.

“In 2006 our plan was to build an electric sports car followed by an affordable electric sedan, and reduce our dependence on oil,” said Elon Musk, Tesla Motors CEO and Chief Product Architect. “Delivering Model S is a key part of that plan and represents Tesla’s transition to a mass-production automaker and the most compelling car company of the 21st century.”

Tesla will be publishing regular updates about the event on June 22nd, as described in this company blog post. Model S test-drive events will begin rolling out to select North American cities in July. Tesla will be ramping up production throughout 2012 and plans to deliver 5,000 vehicles by year end.

Reservations for the premium electric sedan currently exceed 10,000. Customers can reserve a Model S at one of Tesla’s retail stores or online.

The Model S base model will be priced at about $57,000, before a $7,500 U.S. federal tax credit, for a car that can travel 160 miles (258 kilometers) on a full charge.

Model S is the first premium sedan designed from the ground up to take full advantage of electric vehicle architecture. A revolutionary powertrain sits under the floorboard of Model S, creating an ultra-low center of gravity. Paired with an aluminum body engineered for superior handling, Tesla has created a vehicle that will raise the bar for vehicle handling and efficiency while meeting the highest standards for safety.

Without an internal combustion engine or transmission tunnel, the interior of Model S has more cargo space than any other sedan and includes a second trunk under the hood. Model S seats five adults and two children in optional rear facing seats and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 4.4 seconds. The interior features a 17″ in-dash touchscreen with internet capabilities, allowing for streaming radio, web browsing and navigation. With the most energy-dense battery pack in the industry and best-in-class aerodynamics, Model S has the longest range of any electric car in the world. Model S comes with three battery pack options to fit the unique needs of different drivers.

Barcelona City Hall will be testing these vehicles in its municipal car fleet for an initial six-month trial period, during which SEAT will gather information and assess performance prior to mass production of electric cars.

Within the framework of this strategy, over the past few weeks SEAT has loaned one e-Altea XL to Endesa, and another to the Catalan Energy Institute (ICAEN); a further two TwinDrive – one to each of the two organisations mentioned – will be made available over the forthcoming weeks. The company is immersed in the first stage of the introduction of an electric car and envisages the loan of further vehicles to different governmental departments, institutions, and private companies interested in eco-friendly fleets over the forthcoming months.

e-Altea and Leon TwinDrive, SEAT’s first electric cars
The Altea XL Electric Ecomotive and the Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive are two vehicles with different but complementary technologies. The Altea XL Electric Ecomotive can be used in wide variety of different circumstances, and for that reason is SEAT’s first all-electric car. It has a range of 135 kilometers, a power output of 115 hp (85kW), an engine torque of 270 Nm and a top speed of 135 km/h.

Of the several new features found on it, two of the most striking are battery location under the rear seats and the boot – meaning no reduction in passenger compartment space – and the photovoltaic panels on the roof, cutting energy requirements for the vehicle’s air-conditioning.

The Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive couples the advantages of emission-free driving to the range of a conventional petrol-engine car. The TwinDrive allows for all-electric or hybrid driving, meaning no change whatsoever in driving habits or life style for customers. It has a range of 52 kilometers in electric mode, with a top speed of 120 km/h. In mixed mode (electric and combustion) consumption is 1.7 liters, emissions are under 39 g/km, and top speed is 170 km/h.

SEAT’s commitment to sustainable motoring and environmental protection extends to other brand vehicles already on the market. SEAT has a long track record of producing low-emission cars – for the record, 70% of cars marketed in Spain have emissions below 130 g/km of CO2.

It’s the first time in the UK that a car sharing club has offered access to an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV), and Zipcar members from today will be able to reserve the Ampera online or using their smart phones, just as they would any other of the 1,700 cars across the Capital.

However, unlike other vehicles in the Zipcar fleet, the Amperas will be extremely easy to spot on the Capital’s busy streets thanks to their eye-catching full-body wrap liveries of spots and country meadows.

European Car of the Year for 2012, the Ampera is a full-performance and full-speed Extended-Range Electric Vehicle, which can travel free of tailpipe emissions for up to 50 miles, after which it shifts to a petrol generator that produces electricity to keep it going an additional 310 miles on a full tank of petrol. Because many trips taken by Zipcar members are less than 35 miles, it is anticipated that a large number of journeys will use electric power only.

Permanent magnet motors are expected to dominate the market by virtue of their performance and efficiency. However, the growing concern over the availability and pricing of rare earth metals will open up the market for other motor technologies such as induction and hybrid motors.

New analysis, Strategic Analysis of Electric Motor Technologies for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in Europe, finds that the market earned revenues of Euro 55 million in 2010 and estimates this to reach $1.6 billion in 2017 with emission norms and government support driving vehicle manufacturers (VMs) towards greater adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles.

The sourcing strategies for electric motors are expected to vary among VMs. Frost & Sullivan analysis finds that about 30-40 per cent of VMs outsourcing motors from suppliers are planning to bring the intelligence in-house as of now.

“While some VMs are working with more than one supplier on the development of electric motors, others are choosing to develop it in-house,” notes Frost & Sullivan Team Leader Anjan Hemanth Kumar. “Reliability, strong R&D, a smooth supply chain and tight quality control coupled with state-of-the-art manufacturing procedures and facilities are some of the key sourcing criteria for VMs.”

Car makers in Europe are required to bring down their fleet’s average CO2 emissions in accordance with the limit-value curve from 2012. Also, most EU-15 states offer a discount for EVs on the first registration tax applicable on vehicle acquisition. Against the backdrop of these drivers, all OEMs have adopted unique strategies to reduce CO2 emissions, with powertrain electrification taking precedence over other technologies.

However, hybrids and EVs tend to command high retail prices, which require VMs to bridge the cost gap between hybrids and their conventional equivalents. For VMs, EV technologies such as traction electric motors and advanced batteries are not part of a strong in-house portfolio. They remain wary of moving away from internal combustion engines, which represent a century-old technology with strong infrastructure.

Several opportunities exist for motor manufacturers down the EV powertrain. VMs in the short-term are looking to contract specialist EV system developers that can integrate the systems into the vehicle. In the medium- to long-term, the preference would be for Tier 1 suppliers with strong intra-organisational support. OEMs that would look to develop in-house electric motor capabilities are likely to retain the design and intelligence but source the modules and components.

Mitsubishi will be aiming for victory in the Electric Class with the i-MiEV Evolution, a specially-prepared competition version based on the ‘i’ electric car.

Mitsubishi will also be bringing production ‘i’ electric car that has been updated with a more aerodynamic front bumper and new safety equipment.

The i-MiEV Evolution has been developed in cooperation with several partner companies including Meidensha Corporation and GS Yuasa Corporation.

Driving the i-MiEV Evolution in the Pikes Peak event and also serving as team manager will be Mr. Hiroshi Masuoka – the first Japanese driver to post consecutive overall victories in the Dakar Rally. The Mitsubishi i will be piloted by Ms. Beccy Gordon, a winner in the Score International Off-Road Racing Series.

i-MiEV Evolution
Developed for the Pikes Peak event, the i-MiEV Evolution basically uses the same motor, drive battery and other major components as the production i-MiEV fitted to a specially-designed racing-specific body which uses a tube-frame chassis and a carbon fibre cowl among other features designed to reduce weight and improve aerodynamic performance.

Comprising a single motor driving the front and two motors driving the rear wheels, the car’s four-wheel-drive system provides superior motive performance and handling.

L x W x H (mm) 4341 x 1900 x 1339
Occupants 1
Drivetrain 4-wheel drive
Motors Number 3 (1 front, 2 rear)
Max. output (kW) 240 (80 kW x 3)
Drive battery Rated capacity (kWh) 35
Chassis Specially-designed tube frame
Cowl Carbon fibre
Tyres 245/40R18

Mitsubishi ‘i‘
For the Pikes Peak event the production Mitsubishi ‘i’ has been modified using a more aerodynamic front bumper and fitted with roll bars and other safety equipment.

L x W x H (mm) 3675 (+280) x 1585 (+110) x 1615 (+5)
Occupants 4
Drivetrain Rear wheel drive
Motors Number 1
Max. output (kW/rpm) 49 (+2) / 3,000 – 6,000
Drive battery Rated capacity (kWh) 16
Tyres F: 145/65/R15
R: 175/60 (+5)/R15

Based on the OnStar monitoring, Chevy says Volts are being driven about 60% of their miles electric-only, so they’ve also gone about 27 million miles using gasoline. Chevy is keeping a running tally of the use on its website here.

“With each click of the odometer, Chevrolet Volt owners are measuring their contribution to reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil and to preserving the environment,” Cristi Landy, Volt marketing director, said in a statement, adding that they saved about $8 million at the pump, minus the cost of the electricity.

Chevrolet Volt has a total driving range of up to 379 miles, based on EPA estimates. For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas and tailpipe-emissions free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank. Typically Volt owners drive an average of 900 miles between fill ups at the gas station.

Chevrolet recently introduced a rolling ticker on its website that showcases real-time daily driving statistics for Volt owners based on OnStar data.

40 Million Total Electric Miles (EV) driven equivalent to:
• 16,373 trips across the United States (2,443 miles from New York to Los Angeles)
• 1,606 trips around the Earth (24,901 miles each)
• 167 trips to the Moon (238,657 miles each)

2,130,000 Gallons of Gas Saved equivalent to:
• 50,714 barrels of gas saved (42 gallons of gas per barrel)
• $8,000,000 saved at the gas pump (based on $3.80/gallon of gas)
• 387 U.S. semi-truck tankers of gas saved (5,500 gallons of gas each)
• One supertanker  of gas saved (2 million gallons of gas)

Following in the footsteps of Japan Post, FedEx and British Gas, Japanese supermarket operator AEON took delivery of an e-NV200, the all-electric version of Nissan’s popular van.

AEON will use the e-NV200 test cars as delivery vehicles within the Tokyo metropolitan area for their innovative, new online business. The vehicles will be monitored for one month to evaluate their potential for daily business use.

The Nissan e-NV200 electric van, which is likely to be a production version of the LEAF-look alike e-NV200 concept, was revealed at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

The Nissan e-NV200 shares its major drivetrain components with the innovative Nissan LEAF. Silent, zero emission power is supplied by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 280Nm of torque. Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, the motor delivers 100% of its torque from start with immediate response bringing excellent acceleration and smooth, comfortable driving feel.

“Zero emission vehicles will play an increasingly important role in shaping the environment of our cities and towns,” said Nissan Motor Company’s Corporate Vice President Hideto Murakami, head of the Global Light Commercial Vehicle Business Unit. “Electric vehicles will help to raise the quality of our urban environment and their economical running costs should also make them very attractive to businesses. The evaluation results we will get from the AEON Retail testing will assist us in the development of compact EV commercial vehicles. Based on input, the future production version of the e-NV200 will allow us to leverage our investment in electric vehicle technologies, contribute to expanding our EV business globally, and move toward a more sustainable society.

The company’s significant progress is the result of a number of initiatives:

• Upcoming addition of 87 all-electric trucks to its green fleet bringing the all-electric vehicle count to 130.
• Acceleration of its efforts in fuel conservation through the purchase of vehicles with right-sized engines like the Sprinter vans manufactured by Mercedes-Benz. By the end of FY13, FedEx will have more than 11,000 such vehicles in service, more than 35 percent of its U.S. pick-up and delivery fleet. Each Sprinter-type van is about 70 to 100 percent more fuel-efficient than the original truck it replaces.
• Addition of 114 Reach composite-body trucks manufactured from advanced materials by Utilimaster on an Isuzu Motors chassis with an appropriately-sized engine. The lower weight design, along with the engine, is expected to save up to 35 percent in fuel over most conventional walk-in vans.
• Testing of FedEx Ground hybrid hydraulic parcel delivery vehicles that can reduce fuel usage by 40 percent.
• Testing of six standard delivery vehicles retrofitted with all-electric drivetrains from various suppliers, including AMP, Smith Electric and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation.

The electric truck initiative is aimed not only at improving FedEx fleet efficiency, but also in accelerating the development of all-electric trucks that could compete favorably with traditional vehicles for all users. “While we naturally want to improve performance and reduce costs for FedEx, we also want to see all-electric trucks become more affordable and reliable for everyone from your local pizza parlor to other small businesses that deliver,” said Mitch Jackson, staff vice president of environmental affairs and sustainability, FedEx Corp. “This is a strategy for reducing reliance on petroleum-based fuels in a much faster, more inclusive and impactful way.”

The new FedEx all-electric (EV) vehicles are being deployed in the next few months in numerous locations which include California (the San Francisco Bay area, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and the Central Valley); suburban Washington, D.C. (Rockville, M.D.); New York City and several locations in Texas. In Chicago, FedEx is testing electric trucks from several manufacturers head-to-head in daily service to accelerate the development of the vehicles and the EV industry.

Additional all-electric trucks are being prepared for deployment in Asia and Europe, where FedEx Express currently operates all-electric trucks in London and Paris.

Fleet users present an added advantage for all-electric technology, since electric trucks can operate during the day and charge overnight when utilities have spare capacity. FedEx Express is currently working with General Electric and Columbia University on a project in New York City to optimize charging facilities for all-electric trucks.

FedEx also said that twenty percent of its diesel vehicle pickup and delivery fleet has already been converted to more efficient and cleaner emission models that comply with 2010 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency diesel emission standards.