Hasta La Gadget!

Remember how at the end of last year the US legislature decided to make it mandatory for EVs to churn out an audible noise while in motion? It was all in the name of saving pesky pedestrians from getting in the way of your gliding electro-car, but the new law itself has managed to create a bump in the road for at least one company. Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid was all set to launch in late 2010, equipped with a “virtual engine sound” system that the user could toggle on and off, however the government’s request that it be kept permanently on required modifications to the vehicle’s wiring harnesses, UI software and user manuals, delaying its debut into late January. These tweaks had to be done “amazingly late in the process,” according to Hyundai America CEO John Krafcik, but the delay will at least ensure that all of Hyundai’s Sonatas will sound the same. Which is something, we guess.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was delayed into 2011… by ‘virtual engine sound’ system originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ever since they struck an alliance back in 1999, Renault and Nissan have been super tight, sharing both a CEO and a goal to make EVs more accessible, but with Renault’s Zoe gearing up to hit the market in 2012, the French automaker has proven it’s not pulling any punches when it comes to competing with its Japanese partner. In fact, reports give Renault’s EV a starting price of roughly €15,000, which compared to the Leaf’s €27,000 price tag, is a pretty hefty difference. The catch — of course, there’s a catch — is Zoe owners will have to lease their batteries for about €100 a month. With the added battery expense, however, it would still take nearly 10 years for the Zoe to meet the Leaf’s price. We hope this doesn’t put a damper on this 12-year love affair, but honestly, we’ll take an affordable EV any way we can get it.

Renault’s Zoe EV to give Nissan Leaf competition at lower price — Nissan-Renault alliance forges on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Another tasty electric race bike has been unveiled, this one with a lovely promo video — and an opportunity for you to ride one. It’s the eCRP 1.4, an evolution of the company’s 2010 eCRP 1.2 and poised for entry in the all-electric TTXGP series. This new bike offers two motors pumping out a combined 70hp and 89 lb-ft of torque and making a lovely sound you can hear for yourself in the video below. More interestingly you can rent one and hear it for yourself, hanging on for dear life around some of the best tracks the world has to offer. Cost? That’s between you and eCRP, of course, but we’re guessing it won’t be surprisingly affordable.

Continue reading The eCRP 1.4 electric race bike revealed, captured screaming around the track (video)

The eCRP 1.4 electric race bike revealed, captured screaming around the track (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You know electric cars are in the ascendancy when even the fearsome 4x4s start looking to add an extra little spark to their energy production and storage. Land Rover has just announced it’ll demo one — there are multiple working versions — of its development prototypes at the Geneva Motor Show next month, treating us to an exhibition of what a diesel engine can do when augmented with some electric firepower. The Range_e’s design is based on the Range Rover Sport and its 3.0-liter TDV6 core, however the new vehicle is capable of going a full 20 miles purely on its electric charge and touts a whopping 690-mile range altogether. Let’s hope Geneva shows enough interest in the Range_e to compel Land Rover to turn it into a commercial reality.

Land Rover develops Range_e hybrid, will show it off at the Geneva Motor Show originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 21:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Concept cars always promise the car of tomorrow, but they only get us hot and bothered for fantastical design elements that rarely make it to production due to trivial concerns like “cost” and “the laws of physics.” Undaunted by these limitations, Nissan has rolled out a new futuristic EV called ESFLOW — with a roofline inspired by modern Z cars and an elongated bonnet reminiscent of the original 240Z — to titillate our inner gearhead. Scheduled for a Geneva Motor Show debut in early March, the coupe is powered by children’s dreams and whimsy dual electric motors driving the rear wheels and can take residents of imagination land from 0-100kph (0-62mph for us Yanks) in less than five seconds. If the ESFLOW is where Nissan’s going with its EV designs — the Leaf isn’t exactly a looker — we’re all for it, but don’t expect to see it on the road anytime soon as it’s only a concept after all. Vid’s after the break.

Continue reading Nissan unveils sexy ESFLOW concept EV sports car

Nissan unveils sexy ESFLOW concept EV sports car originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 04:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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