With an estimated 230 mpg rating , the Chevy Volt will be GMs first plug-in since the EV1. Paine is tracking the development of the vehicle for his next film, the timing of which is “somewhat based on seeing whether GM is going to be delivering by the end of 2010.” He says, “It looks like they are going to do it. But we’re not going to release a movie called Revenge of the Electric Car until average consumers can actually buy electric cars.”
Bill Pugliano / Getty Images
Until recently, GM’s Cadillac Converj was expected to remain a concept. But recent reports suggest it may go into production yet. Though more luxurious, the Converj is likely to use a drive system similar to the Volt.
Not for the budget conscious, but available now, the Tesla Roadster is a high performance, electric sports car with a 244-mile range. Having recently got one himself, Paine says “It’s an amazing vehicle. I’m very impressed by it so far.” Here, the Roadster at a Plug In America parade. And for those who require more room for passengers and cargo, the Model S sedan is on the way.
Todd Westphal
Fresh from its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi’s PX-MiEV crossover concept is a plug-in hybrid with an estimated fuel economy of 117 mpg.
Kiyoshi Ota / Getty Images
Also from Mitsubishi, the iMiEV is currently slated for production starting April 2010. If the date holds, it could be one of the first four-door passenger electric cars sold in the U.S. But the Nissan Leaf will likely be a formidable competitor.
In a partnership with Better Place—a California-based electric vehicle infrastructure company—Renault plans to have 100,000 electric cars on the roads of Denmark and Israel by 2016, with the first arriving in 2011. The five-passenger Fluence offers 80 percent recharging in just 20 minutes with a 230-volt outlet, but will also be compatible with Better Place battery switch stations.
Starting with a limited test fleet, Toyota will introduce the first plug-in Priuses in Japan, Europe and the U.S. in 2011. Volume production is tentatively scheduled for 2012.
Volume production of Daimler’s electric Smart Fortwo is slated for 2012. Daimler–the parent company of Mercedes-Benz–recently acquired a nearly 10 percent stake in Tesla and battery packs will be produced with their expertise.
Mercedes is also getting in the act with their electric SLS AMG prototype that features all-wheel drive and peak output of 392 kW–about the same as 525 horsepower in a conventional car.
Volvo plans to put a plug-in hybrid into production by 2012 and it could be the C30. According to The New York Times, one has been built, but “a decision on putting the car into series production won’t be made until the fall or winter.”
The electric Ford Focus is scheduled to hit streets in 2011, followed by a plug-in Escape SUV in 2012. Paine is elated that nearly all the major automakers have electric cars in development because, “No one got to drive them except for a small group of us in California and now everybody’s going to get a chance.”
Justin Lubin / NBCU Photo Bank / AP Photo
Aptera’s 2e–complete with gull-wing doors– has been an object of fascination since its prototype debuted. Production is slated to start in late 2010. Fisker’s Karma is another show-stopping entry in the emerging race to bring electric cars to market.
A limited number of electric Mini Coopers hit the streets for testing this year, but the execution of the program has been criticized. Also in the works from BMW is the City EV.
When asked for his take on the emerging Chinese automakers, Paine says “It’s easy to underestimate the complexity of entering the car market with a new brand. But if they can demonstrate their electric cars are safe and affordable they should do well.” With a recent investment from Warren Buffett, BYD (Build Your Dreams), clearly has a head start. Here, their e6.
Motorcycles are also going electric. Here, the new Zero S street bike. And if you’re really aching for a speeding ticket, try the Mission One.
