A growing contingent of electric and hybrid vehicle supporters are vouching for the style and simplicity of Toyota’s Prius, one of the most popular and well-loved models on the market. Fans of the Prius have been anxiously awaiting the release of a plug-in model for the vehicle, which is expected to be available to the public in 2012. This January, at the North American International Auto Show, Toyota announced that it would release five hundred … Read the rest
Category Archives: Electric/Hybrid Cars
Energy Conversion Devices Sells Cobasys To SB LiMotive
Energy Conversion Devices, Inc just announced that its subsidiary, Ovonic Battery Company, Inc, has sold its interests in Cobasys to SB LiMotive. Chevron Technology Ventures LLC, which also had an interest in Cobasys, has sold its interests as well. Cobasys is now owned by SB LiMotive, a joint venture between Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. and Robert Bosch GmbH.
Both Ovonic Battery Company, Inc. and Chevron Technology Ventures will continue to receive royalties paid to … Read the rest
Quantum Fuel Systems (QTWW) Gets $3 Million In New Debt Financing From WB QT, LLC
Quantum Fuel Systems just announced that it has obtained $3 million worth of new debt financing. The financing comes from WB QT, LLC, and also allowed Quantum to restructure its existing loan with that company. Here’s the lowdown on the agreement, from a company press release:
Quantum gets an additional $3 million in new debt financing in the form of a 11.5% convertible note with a conversion price of $0.71. The maturity date is August … Read the rest
Capstone Turbine (CPST) Popping After Press Release Indicates It’s Eligible For Government Funds
Last week I reported on the government’s plan to get $3 billion in the hands of alternative energy companies quickly by providing funding up front rather than on the back end through tax breaks. This morning, the company is making sure we all know that they are eligible for the funds by sending out a press release.
“Capstone has been very pleased with the growing support for its technology by the U.S. Government,” said Darren … Read the rest
Renewable Energy Gets A $3 Billion Government Infusion
The US government announced today that they’ll soon begin accepting applications for around $3 billion in government funds to spur development in renewable energy across the country. Previously, companies could file for a tax credit to cover a portion of development costs, but this provides an immediate infusion of cash to help meet the government’s goal of doubling renewable energy production over the next 3 years.
“This partnership between Treasury and Energy will enable both … Read the rest
Quantum (QTWW) Gets $10 Mill From Fisker For Last Phase Of Q-Drive Testing
Quantum Fuel Systems (QTWW) announced yesterday it has signed a $10.2 million contract for the last phase of development of its Q-Drive plug-in hybrid powertrains for Fisker Automotive, readying it for larger scale production next year. Quantum has developed an advanced version of the Q-Drive system to maximize performance of both the Fisker Karma and Sunset plug-in hybrids, enabling a 50 mile “all electric” drive and outstanding fuel efficiency in hybrid mode. In this phase … Read the rest
Advanced Battery Tech (ABAT) and ZAP Sign Lithium Battery Distribution Agreement
It’s being announced this morning that electric car manufacturer ZAP (OTC:ZAAP) will offer extended ranges and more vehicle power by incorporating Advanced Battery Tech’s (ABAT) large-format polymer lithium-ion battery technology. The company expects to use the technology in its popular line of Zappy3 electric scooters initially, then incorporate into other vehicles later. The battery may play an important role in ZAP’s extended range pickup, the shuttle van and the Alias roadster, offering better performance … Read the rest
3rd Generation 2010 Toyota Prius Generating Excitement & Sales
Vacationers who have been pleasantly taking in the sun in a remote corner of the world for many, many months may be shocked by the announcement, but to everyone else, the fact has been increasingly clear for a while: the auto industry isn’t doing very well. From bankruptcies to dealership troubles, halts in production and other major upsets, automakers around the world are suffering in a market impacted by a population that simply can’t prioritize … Read the rest
Best Buy Selling Electric Bikes & Scooters On West Coast, Brammo Enertia Motorcycle Coming Soon
An unlikely participant in the green vehicle revolution has entered the fray. Today, the WSJ highlighted Best Buy’s (BBY) effort to expand its offerings and take a gamble by selling electric scooters and bikes at 19 west coast locations (you can buy them from anywhere online). Not only will they sell them, but their Geek Squad will be trained to provide low level service and repair. It’s a great move from Best Buy and … Read the rest
China’s Explosion In Popularity Of Electric Bikes: Advanced Battery Tech (ABAT)
Pollution from automobiles is a rampant problem in developed societies around the world, and as emerging economies such as China and India become more prosperous, a larger percentage of the population is able to afford personal transportation. This might lead the environmentally conscious to worry about an immense explosion in the number of cars on the road –and indeed, the number is rising–. But unlike many western societies where the standard of personal transportation rests … Read the rest