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Permalink Reply by P.G. on December 4, 2015 at 15:12

I wonder what batteries would cost for one of those?

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Permalink Reply by Skip Peel - Mineral Consultant on December 4, 2015 at 15:24

Remember when portable calculators were the size of a couple of thick paperback books and cost $300?  I know you do. Whatever the current battery cost, it will be far cheaper in the near future.  Electric cars will outperform combustion engine cars in the future and when they cost ~ $30,000 and have a range of 300+ miles a lot of them will be on the road.  I'm planning some home remodeling for next year and will include a separate 220 circuit in my carport.  I don't expect to use it for a few years at least but I think it is a good investment.  I may even put in a stub out for my natural gas service so I can choose between electric and CNG.  In fact a E/CNG hybrid might very well be the best combination for range and convenience of re-charging.

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Permalink Reply by Two Dogs, Pirate on December 4, 2015 at 16:34

I am strongly thinking about buying an early 1970's Ford truck with a 300 cubic inch, 6 cylinder inline engine with no high tech electronics for less than $1000, and converting it to run on gasoline or NG. Just looking out for EMP's that could be coming our way and fry all the electronic circuits. Good luck Skip with your Electric/NG car if this happens.

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Permalink Reply by Skip Peel - Mineral Consultant on December 4, 2015 at 17:22

That might make a good work truck, TD,P.  If battery technology can evolve to provide 360 mile range and fifteen minute recharging it would be comparable to my 2015 gasoline powered car.

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Permalink Reply by Skip Peel - Mineral Consultant on December 5, 2015 at 3:55

I rode in one owned by a friend in Dallas a couple weeks ago.  They are awesome vehicles.  Hard to describe, ya gotta drive or ride in one to fully appreciate the tech and the performance.

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Permalink Reply by P.G. on December 5, 2015 at 4:55

Yes it will be nice when something like this becomes priced for the masses when it makes economical sense. Not everyone are energy Vegans.

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Permalink Reply by Skip Peel - Mineral Consultant on December 5, 2015 at 5:07

A $30K to $35K Tesla model should be available in the next couple of years.   Wide spread adoption of light duty electric vehicles by the public will not be constrained by the kind of extensive infrastructure requirements of CNG.  Most charging will be done at home and new home construction will quickly incorporate a separate electrical circuit to facilitate fast re-charges.  I expect that even medium duty trucks will be electric in time.

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Permalink Reply by Skip Peel - Mineral Consultant on December 10, 2015 at 13:28

Ford plans 13 new electrified vehicles by 2020

Written By Associated Press Posted: 12/10/2015, 05:41pm

DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Motor Co. says it will introduce 13 new electrified vehicles worldwide by 2020, including an updated Focus sedan that will go on sale late next year.

The new Focus will have fast-charging capability and an estimated 100-mile range, up from 76 miles in the current electric Focus.

Ford also plans to introduce the Mondeo hybrid sedan and the C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid in China next year.

Ford currently sells electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of its Focus, Fusion, C-Max and Lincoln MKZ sedans. Ford CEO Mark Fields says the company wants 40 percent of its global offerings to come in electric versions by 2020, up from 13 percent now.

Ford says it will spend an additional $4.5 billion to meet its electrification goals by 2020.

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Permalink Reply by Skip Peel - Mineral Consultant on January 4, 2016 at 9:32

Should Tesla Be Worried Of Competition?

Jan 4, 2016 @ 01:44 PM  forbes.com

As large automakers increase their focus on electric vehicles (EVs), competition in this space, considered to be Tesla Motors‘ home ground, is intensifying. Ford Motors announced earlier in December that it will invest an additional $4.5 billion in electric vehicles by 2020. General Motors’ battery powered Chevrolet Bolt, which will have a range of 200 miles between charges, is expected to be launched in 2016. Given the focus on clean vehicles and long term targets of zero emission, an increasing number of automakers are now investing heavily on electric vehicles. Tesla has a competitive edge in this market given its supercharger network and direct selling model. Further, most new players are planning to enter the non-luxury segment, where Tesla’s Model 3 is yet to be launched. Even though Chevrolet Bolt of General Motors appears to be a direct competitor for Model 3, we believe given the low penetration of EVs in the auto market, as more players introduce these cars it should lead to a greater acceptance of this category, creating a larger market for all players and competition should not be a concern in the near future.

Tesla Has A Competitive Edge In The EV Market

Tesla’s supercharger network which hosts more than 3,000 superchargers in the U.S. providing convenient charging options to its car users, definitely gives it a competitive edge , given that no other player has been able to replicate this kind of network so far. While other car makers are working on fast charging alternatives – Ford stated that it plans to commence production of the new Ford Electric next year, which will deliver 80 percent charge in 30 minutes (similar to Tesla’s Model S) – competing with Tesla on the charging network might be tough for other auto makers, given its first mover’s advantage. Tesla is the only automaker exclusively developing electric cars on a significant scale and this gives it an edge over other automakers that also need to focus on their traditional models. Further, this allows Tesla to have a direct selling model which reduces overhead costs. Given the after sales service requirements of traditional cars, it is difficult for other automakers to adapt a direct selling model.

Success Of Gen III (Model III) Will Be Key

Tesla plans to introduce its third major vehicle currently referred to as Gen III, in 2016 which will target the mass market electric cars. We expect Gen III to capture a market share of nearly 10% in the EV market by the end of our forecast period and this model accounts for more than 30% of Tesla’s valuation according to our estimates.

General Motors’ battery Chevrolet Bolt appears to be a direct competitor to this model and is expected to be launched around the same time. However, we believe introduction of these models should expand the low cost EV market, thus working in favor of Tesla. A report by Frost Sullivan states that electric vehicles will see a surge in popularity by 2020 as the focus increases on environment sustainability. Several players such as BMW, Daimler, Volvo are expected to launch new models by 2017. As an increasing number of countries impose strict emission standards, the focus on electric vehicles by traditional car makers will increase, leading to many more entrants in this market. However, in the near future we believe this will work towards the advantage of Tesla as it will enable expansion of the EV market. As Gen III’s launch coincides with other vehicles in this space, its success will be key for Tesla’s valuation in future.

 

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Permalink Reply by Skip Peel - Mineral Consultant on January 6, 2016 at 9:17

Volkswagen BUDD-e Concept First Look

The Volkswagen BUDD-E Concept, an electrified van that showcases a new platform and a next-generation multimedia interface, debuts at CES. Featuring two electric motors and a flat 101-kW-hr battery, the BUDD-e rides on Volkswagen's new MEB platform, designed specifically for electric vehicles. The BUDD-e can travel up to 373 miles on a single charge, though that figure is based on the New European Driving Cycle (EPA numbers may be a bit lower). If you run out of electricity, it can be charged to 80 percent in 15 minutes, Volkswagen says. Wired and inductive wireless charging are compatible with the BUDD-e.

The BUDD-e's exterior design was inspired by the classic Microbuses, which were produced for two generations from the 1950s through the 1970s. Like the van that inspired its design, the BUDD-e puts practicality first and features a clean, restrained exterior. The car also has an upright greenhouse for maximum interior space, just like the Microbuses of the past. LED lights are used for the main headlights and the accent lighting for the grille. Out back, the taillights also feature LEDs, including a strip that runs up to the roof all the way across and down to the other light cluster. To make the BUDD-e more eye-catching, Volkswagen has given the concept a two-tone paint job with the body in white and the roof in copper. A floating roof design is also evident thanks to the pillars painted black to blend in with the car's windows.

One of the most notable features on the BUDD-e concept is its next-generation multimedia system, which features a curved 12.3-inch display with three configurable sections. The Active Info Display is the main component of the BUDD-e's infotainment system and can be customized extensively. Controls for the new interface can be made using the touchscreen, gestures, and voice. Volkswagen says that the phrase "Hello, BUDD-e" will activate the car's voice control, which responds to natural speech interaction, eliminating the need to learn specific commands. Passengers can also give the car commands.

The BUDD-e's Active Info Display has three main sections: Drive, Control, and Consume. Drive tracks your current route and brings up a 3-D map with buildings, points of interest, and navigation instructions. Control shows the vehicle's status, assistance information, and current trip data on the trip computer. Consume has all the infotainment content, including audio, weather, messages, and a calendar. A Travel mode augments the Drive section of the Active Info Display by showing route information on the main 13.3-inch head unit, allowing passengers to add and plan new routes.

Controls for the main head unit are similar to a smartphone with a menu tab at the top of the screen for easy access to key functions such as opening and closing the sliding door or the hatch. Sensors are also used in the BUDD-e's main head unit to detect approaching hands so it can smoothly transition from display to operating modes. The main head unit can be arranged by using up to eight tiles that contain different types of information. Side mirrors have been ditched in favor of two external cameras that show what's in your blind spots via the multifunction display. A new steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls uses haptic feedback to signal to the driver that a feature or menu has been activated. Additional controls include a touch slider for volume and zooming in and out in the navigation system.

Gesture controls are taken to another level in the BUDD-e, which is capable of detecting approaching people via infrared sensors. You can also open and close the car's sliding door can using gesture control. Inside the BUDD-e's cabin, gesture controls have been enhanced to allow for operation of the car's interface at a greater distance. Cameras are used to detect if a passenger wants to do things such as open the sliding door. The BUDD-e's ambient lighting also interacts with the car's gesture control system, so the car's interior lights will illuminate and adjust to the environment.

Connectivity is another highlight in the BUDD-e; the car's infotainment system will allow you and your passengers to link with the outside world when you're on the road. Using Wi-Fi connectivity, the BUDD-e's passengers can access their smart homes to turn on the air-conditioning, check to see if anyone's in the house, put the house in energy-saver mode, and turn the lights on or off. Should you need to get something for your car or other personal items, the BUDD-e will also let you order online and have it delivered to your car's drop box, which can be accessed from the outside via an access code the car reads out.

Volkswagen will also showcase how Mirror Link can be used in connection with the Home-Net Viewer to display images taken by cameras mounted around a house. The system allows the owner of the house to speak to a person at the door when they're driving and even open the door for them. Another notable feature on the BUDD-e is the "Home-Net don't forget" feature that uses an inventory list to track what's been left in the car.

Although it's unlikely that the BUDD-e will make it to production, the features it showcases at CES will most likely find their way into future production vehicles.

Link to full article, good images, nice looking vehicle:

http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/auto-shows/volkswagen-budd-e-concept...

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Permalink Reply by Skip Peel - Mineral Consultant on January 6, 2016 at 13:09

GM Unveils Chevy Bolt Electric Car

Vehicle will have a range of 200 miles and is aimed at bolstering company’s technological credentials

By Gautham Nagesh Updated Jan. 6, 2016 6:59 p.m. ET  wsj.com

​LAS VEGAS— General Motors Co. has unveiled its Chevrolet Bolt at the Consumer Electronics Show here, the auto maker’s latest electric vehicle aimed in part at making inroad’s with the brand ​in California and urban areas.

GM is positioning the Bolt, with a range of 200 miles, as a mainstream electric vehicle that will further the auto maker’s technological bona fides. GM has said in the past that the car would be priced roughly at $38,000 and cost around $30,000 after the federal $7,500 income-tax rebate for electric car purchases.

The vehicle comes at a time when Silicon Valley startups are trying to disrupt car makers with ride-sharing services. And electric cars and other alternative-fuel vehicles face challenges amid plunging prices at the gas pump.

 “The Chevrolet Bolt represents the first serious electric vehicle available to mainstream consumers,” Karl Brauer, senior analyst at Kelley Blue Book said. “It will be an interesting test to see how the market embraces the Bolt in this era of cheap gas; But from a value and function standpoint, it sets a new benchmark in alternative-fuel options.”

​GM’s Chevrolet Volt electric-car model, introduced several years ago with a shorter range, hasn’t been a big seller. The Volt marked GM’s return to the electric-vehicle market, and the Bolt aims to garner wider appeal.

Alan Batey, GM’s North American executive vice president, said looming uncertainty over the direction of fuel prices and stringent U.S. regulations calling for auto makers eventually to sell vehicles together averaging nearly 55 miles a gallon underpin the company’s bet on the Bolt. In addition, California requires auto makers to sell so-called zero-emissions vehicles.

“There are certain states in the U.S. where you need to sell electric vehicles if you’re going to be able to sell your total portfolio. As part of that, we have a need to have a range of electric vehicles," Mr. Batey said.

“People think that the only reason people buy these is because of high fuel prices, but if you actually talk to the consumers, they buy it because they want the greatest and latest technology, and it just happens to be an electric vehicle,” he added.

Mr. Batey said the Bolt ​is crucial to overhauling Chevrolet’s image in California and large urban markets, where it​has performed poorly in recent years. He said the Volt has done more to reposition the Chevy brand in California over the past five years than any other vehicle.

“For Chevrolet, California is a massive opportunity because our performance there has been poor for so long,” Mr. Batey said. “Bolt will play a really important role in helping build the Chevy brand in California.”

The Bolt also fits into GM’s larger strategy to embrace new transportation technologies like ride-sharing and autonomous vehicles and includes features like one-pedal driving mode and saved settings for multiple drivers controlled through their smartphones.

GM this week unveiled a $500 million investment in Lyft Inc. with the eventual goal of developing a driverless-car hailing service. Mr. Batey said Lyft officials were impressed when GM showed them the Bolt.

One way GM may take advantage of its new relationship with Lyft is by creating hubs where Lyft drivers who don’t own vehicles can use them for a few hours. Mr. Batey said GM has a huge fleet of company cars, off-lease vehicles and rental cars that could be deployed for that purpose. GM may also provide a new car program for Lyft drivers that would feature the Chevy Bolt.

Mr. Batey played down expectations for large sales volumes with the Bolt. He said GM sees the car as a way to reintroduce the brand to consumers that haven’t interacted with it in some time.

Speaking at the Consumer Electronics Show on Wednesday, GM CEO Mary Barra unveiled the Bolt and said its combination of technology and affordability would help push electric vehicles into the mainstream.

She said GM’s scale, dealer network and manufacturing experience gives it a leg up over newer entrants to the car business, a veiled reference to electric-car maker Tesla Motors Inc. She specifically noted that Bolt drivers wouldn’t need to drive to the next state to buy or service their vehicle.

“Commitments from traditional car makers to build electric vehicles advances Tesla’s mission to accelerate the advent of sustainable transportation,” a Tesla spokesperson said. “We hope to see all those additional zero-emission vehicles on the road.”

 

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