Electric Vehicles

Chinese news agency Xinhua reported yesterday that the State Grid Corporation, the world’s largest electric power transmission and distribution company, is speeding up its plans to build electric car charging stations. The electric vehicle charging stations, which cost between US$37,000 to US$44,000 each to build, will initially be placed in major cities such as Shanhai, Beijing, Taijin, and other large cities. The charging stations will initially service buses and sedans with plans to... Read Full Story

Like the Jeep EV that was discussed on GCBC already, the Chrysler Electric Vehicle is capable of 40 miles on electric power alone that's also able to travel 400 miles with the help of a gasoline engine. Power for the Chrysler EV, a Town & Country minivan, is rated at 255 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Minivans are perfect family vehicles and prone to deep consideration from those who need both space and environmental friendliness. Chrysler will be able to use the T&C as a mule for other... Read Full Story

Automakers Nissan and Renault have partnered with Portugal's government to create a national network of charging stations. Nissan has aggressively pursued deals with cities and governments on electric vehicles, as soaring gas prices and worries about global warming make the green technology more appealing. Portugal is a global leader in promoting renewable energy, including wind and solar power. Nissan and Renault have previously announced deals with Project Better Place, based in Palo Alto... Read Full Story

Soon, we’ll probably be seeing Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries being used in most electric cars and bikes. This new battery type is set to dominate the market. Based upon lithium ion technology, LiFePO4 batteries offer many advantages over lithium cobalt dioxide (LiCoO2) batteries which are commonly used in laptops, mp3 players and cell phones. In electric vehicles, LiFePO4 batteries offer greater range, power and safety. LiFePO4 batteries also offer faster charging rates, and... Read Full Story

Imagine plugging your new 664-horsepower car into the powerbar in your garage. Leave it there for twelve hours, and you've got enough power to drive 200 miles or 322 kilometres. Your car weighs about the same as a Chevrolet Corvette and can accelerate to 60mph in about 4 seconds. Hrm.... but there's still that one distinctly annoying problem. We did just read twelve hours, didn't we? That, oh Good Car Nation, royally sucks. Yet good news persists. "But on a three-phase industrial supply, the... Read Full Story