electric cars

Smart to stop sales of gasoline-powered models, focus on electric cars in US

If you have a penchant for the gasoline version of Smart’s ForTwo small coupe and small convertible, better arrange your finances and get a unit before September 2017. That’s because Smart will soon discontinue sales of its conventionally powered small vehicles in North America, including the United States and Canada, according to reports from Automotive News and German publication Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

This development came after Smart dealers in the US and Canada received a game-changing letter from Mercedes-Benz USA chief executive Dietmar Exler. In the letter, Exler noted that Smart’s current product portfolio is facing some challenges brought by developments within the micro-car segment. He then said that as Smart launches the fourth generation of the Smart ForTwo electric drive in the summer, the brand’s product lineup in the US and Canada will include only zero-emissions Smart electric-drive coupe and cabriolet.

Exler’s statement effectively meant the imminent discontinuation of its conventionally powered products. More specifically, Smart will discontinue the production and sales of gasoline-powered offerings after the 2017 model year – only in the US and Canada. Smart will still offer gasoline-powered small cars in other markets.

BMW i and MR PORTER team up to produce limited edition Tuxedo Blue i3

BMW i sealed a partnership deal with MR PORTER.COM, the award-winning online hub for men's style, to create a unique, limited edition BMW i3. The integrated team of experts seeks to produce a sophisticated, luxury vehicle inspired by timelessness, uniqueness, and modernity.

The BMW i3, reminiscent of the classic and stylish tuxedo, comes with a superb exterior in tuxedo blue. The distinctive features on each of the numbered special editions have been handcrafted to come up with a unique finish.

The individual coating and the white accent running the chassis' length, which can all be associated with the pinstripe suit, are handcrafted by experts. BMW i Brand Management Head Stefan Ponikva claimed that the new limited edition BMW i3 demonstrates the effortless yet powerful combination of sustainability and style.

BMW launches iPerformance brand for plug-in hybrids

The competition for hybrid cars just got hotter. In the company’s latest press release, BMW announced that starting July 2016, all BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles will be given the new iPerformance model designation. This move is seen as the reaping of the technological advancements gained from the BMW i concept cars experience to the BMW core brand.

In addition, the new iPerformance models will have visible reminders that they are hybrid cars. These models will serve as evidence of BMW’s commitment to a sustainable, pollution-free future of personal mobility.

These electric hybrid vehicles can be identified by the distinct BMW i logo on the front panel, blue-colored BMW I design elements in the kidney grille, and wheel hubs and the eDrive logo on the C-pillar. Initially, a total of five plug-in hybrid variants are available, covering a wide spectrum of its current lineup.

US DOE to fund wireless charging technology research of Hyundia-Kia, Mojo Mobility

A funding grant has been awarded to Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center, Inc., (HATCI) and wireless power technology firm Mojo Mobility, Inc. for the research and development of a system that can fast charge an EV through wireless means. The grant was given by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Vehicle Technologies (VT) program.

Mojo Mobility is famous for having developed very efficient wireless charging systems that can transfer high power even when the charger and the vehicle are not precisely aligned. HATCI president Sung Hwan Cho said that it is “honoured” to be chosen as a DOE partner. He said that innovations like this goes well with a core goal, which is to “create a vehicle experience that is intuitive and easy for the consumer."

Kia's first electric vehicle in the U.S. – the all-new 2015 Kia Soul EV – was recently launched. It proves the point further that there is an increasing demand for electro-mobility, which is crucial to lessening the petroleum consumption in the U.S. transportation sector. It will be much more convenient to owners of EVs if wireless charging technology becomes available.

Chevrolet announced today that an all-electric version of the Spark is in the works! What is more interesting is that the he so-called Spark EV will be sold in the United States as well as the global markets in 2013, including California. As expected, A123 Systems will supply the advanced nanophosphate lithium-ion battery packs that will be used for the Spark EV (A123 Systems also manufactures the lithium-ion battery packs for the Chevrolet Volt).

Moreover, GM will use all the feedback received from participants in Chevrolet’s electric vehicle demonstration fleets in Shanghai (Sail EV), Korea (Cruze EV) and India (Beat EV) for the upcoming Spark EV.

Chevrolet is betting on their new mini car, the Spark, to compete with other minis in the most rapidly growing new car segment in the world. The Spark’s design is intended to entice car buyers from every corner of the planet – from the USA to Australia, Africa to India.

Fiat S.p.A.'s factory in Termini Imerese, Sicily, could soon have new owners, according to a report by the Financial Times. Cimino & Associates Private Equity is said to be in talks with Reva, a Bangalore, India-based company that builds the G-Wiz. Cimino is currently raising funds for a project to produce electric cars at the plant.

In an interview, Simone Cimino, chairman of the Milan investment house, said that so far, about 50 million euros of funding have been raised from investors including the Sicilian regional government and French bank Natixis. He also revealed that he is in talks with Reva, which introduced its three-door NXR lithium-ion powered electric car at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.

The G-Wiz hatchback is priced in Europe for about 15,000 euros excluding batteries. It has a top speed of 104kph (65mph) with a range of 160kms (100 miles) per charge.