Electric Car Blogging

NISKAYUNA, N.Y.–With a 1914 electric car displayed outside, General Electric last week hosted a symposium on batteries for transportation and the electricity grid.

GE has been working on battery-powered vehicles for decades. Although those projects didn’t yield mass-produced electric vehicles, GE executives said that the conditions for …

Filed under: Audio, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Tech, Chevrolet, Humor

One of the concerns about today’s electric and hybrid vehicles is that they don’t make the same noises as internal-combustion-propelled conveyances. It seems customers have come to expect a certain sound when a vehicle starts or is put into motion, and electric motors just can’t compare to ICEs. GM has decided to add a soundtrack to its upcoming Chevy Volt to remedy that situation. Rather than plugging in the melodic symphony of the ZR1’s LS9, however, they think the car deserves something a bit more space-age to go along with its high-tech hardware, and apparently there are some Trekkies at GM HQ. While we doubt they’ll actually license the sound effects from the the Kirk and Spock franchise, E-Flex vehicle line executive, Frank Weber thinks the Volt should make sounds similar to when “you hear the doors close, or use the transporter,” on the USS Enterprise. So it’s official. The Prius’ place in the geek hierarchy has been eclipsed by the Volt.

[Source: Inside Line]

Chevrolet Volt to get Sci-Fi soundtrack originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Japan, GM, Toyota, Rumormill

According to a report by Japan’s Kyodo News, General Motors’ chief executive and chairman Rick Wagoner is considering visiting Toyota in Japan to discuss a myriad of issues, ranging from funding to parts sharing.

In typical fashion (of late), the story cites unnamed sources saying Toyota is “expected to consider quick fixes for the cash-strapped GM, including buying up its assets and helping secure sufficient business funds.” The talks are also said to include a partnership that would license Toyota’s hybrid technology for use in GM products, along with ToMoCo building fuel-efficient, compact cars for the General.

We’re suitably skeptical about any kind of partnership between the world’s two automotive giants, particular since no one from Toyota or GM was willing to comment for the story. More to come… or not. Watch this space.

[Source: Reuters]

GM CEO heading to Japan to talk with Toyota, expanding business partnership originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Ford, Mercury

Past Ford refreshes like the Taurus or Taurus X have been little more than reworked fenders, lights, and grilles, but the Milan goes farther. The roofline and side panels return largely untouched, but the front fascia has undergone a most extensive overhaul. The most noticeable revision is to the waterfall grille, which is far larger and carries a prominent upper brow that meets the updated hood. The bonnet now has a pronounced power dome with accents all the way around that grille, giving the Milan a much more ‘look at me’ presence. Headlights are equipped with LEDs and more vertical than the current model, stretching up above the hood line. The lower fascia and bumper now appears to be at one with the rest of the front end, as apposed to three separate pieces of the current model. The overall look of the front and rear are more rounded than the angular Milan available now, giving the revamped Mercury a more contemporary appearance.

We’ve always favored the Milan’s rump over that of its blue collar Ford sibling, and it looks even better for 2010. Changes are far more subtle than the front end with the main change being LED tail lamps that appear larger than the existing lights. The rear is also more rounded at the edges, and the trunk has a bit of convex-ness to it as well. We’re looking forward to seeing the Milan and it’s Ford and Lincoln siblings when we hit LA later in November, and we’ll pass the pics and info to you as soon as we get them.

[Source: Automobile]

Spy Shots: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid completely uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Videos, Ford

As we reported earlier this morning, Ford has revealed an innovative LCD gauge cluster called SmartGauge with EcoGuide that will debut in the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid. The system basically places two high-res LCD displays on both sides of a centrally mounted analog speedometer. These screens feature impressive graphics and can be tailored to provide four different levels of information for the driver. Think of it as a normal trip computer on steroids. SmartGauge can give you all the basic info like instant fuel economy, fuel economy history, odometer, engine coolant temperature, what gear the car is in and trip data, but it also goes several steps further. For one, there’s a graphic of growing vines and leaves on the right side. If you drive efficiently, the vines and leaves will grow lush, which is a very creative way of better engaging drivers in getting the most out of their hybrids. When you reach a destination, a shut-down screen will also give you stats on your latest trip, and you can call up historical fuel efficiency data via a chart. We’ve got to give Ford credit for continuing to think outside the box with things like SYNC, the F-150’s Tailgate Step and Work Solutions in-dash computer, the capless Direct Fill system, the Flex’s real fridge, and the recently announced MyKey. These are aces up the sleeve when trying to sell cars and trucks in segments already crowded with competitors. Check out the gallery of SmartGuage shots below and view the video of it in action after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford SmartGauge with EcoGuide in action

VIDEO: Ford SmartGauge with EcoGuide in action originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Tech, Ford, Mercury

You drive like crap and you know it. Stop the burnouts, late braking and 100-mph freeway sprint and you just might make a tank of gas last longer than a day. Sure, automakers like Ford could spend a few million on lectures to teach car buyers a thing or two about better driving. But if you didn’t get it in Driver’s Ed, you’re not likely to get it now. Instead, Ford’s new Smart Gauge will teach better driving through rewards. Do a better job controlling your right foot, and Smart Guage adds a green leaf to a display next to the speedo. The better you do, the more leaves you get. Nancy Gioia, Ford’s director of hybrid-vehicle programs, tells The Wall Street Journal, “You don’t have to count the leaves. But if you’re in a forest of leaves, you’ll know you’re doing well.”

You can also grow your Virtual Dash Tree[TM] for a chance to defeat the boss monster on the final level and, if successful, Smart Gauge will reward drivers with Fordelicious Fruit[TM], which you can trade for Microsoft Points that can be used to pay for your Sync subscription. No. Not really.

Ford is expected to announce the Smart Gauge today and it will initially be available on the hybrid versions of 2010 Mercury Milans and Ford Fusions. There is a video from Ford after the jump.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Continue reading Ford “Smart Gauge” collects green leaves for good behavior w/VIDEO

Ford “Smart Gauge” collects green leaves for good behavior w/VIDEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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