Tesla Motors Opening Technical Center in Michigan

Fri, 26 Jan 2007 13:49:18 GMT

While GM has been riding the eco-wave lately with its Chevy Volt concept, there's more electricity coming out of Detroit. Tesla Motors, manufacturer of high performance, zero-emission electric vehicles has opened its Michigan Technical Center in Rochester Hills, just north of Detroit and a local engineering Mecca. This research and development facility will focus on future products for Tesla motors, including the "WhiteStar" (this is a code name), a four-door, five-passenger, lightweight, high-performance sedan planned for production around 2009. Word on the street is that the price of this electric sedan will be around $50,000, which is about half what it costs to get into their current car, the Roadster. Besides the good news that Tesla is expanding, and planning on bringing down the price of future electric vehicles, there's a bigger story here.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

The Buzz Around the Chevy Volt

Thu, 11 Jan 2007 11:59:05 GMT

Click the image above to see our Volt slideshow. August 2009 Update: The Chevy Volt is Rated at 230 MPG in City Driving Update: Myvolt? Voltbook? GM Launches Voltage Social Network Update 2: What Does GM's Bankruptcy Mean for the Chevy Volt? A lot of hybrids talk a good game, but the Volt has the potential to deliver. The big buzz at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit is around the Chevy Volt. It has surprised many to see GM throw their hat in the hybrid ring as such a formidable competitor. It's being called one of the most significant hybrid developments to date. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

2007 Toyota FT-HS Concept Fuel Economy

Wed, 10 Jan 2007 17:55:49 GMT

Michael wrote about the Toyota FT-HS concept (the name stands for Future Toyota Hybrid Sports), which was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show this week. This is Toyota designer's answer to the question, "What is a suitable and appropriate sports car for the 21st century." This crazy-cool looking car puts up some really incredible numbers. The 3.5-litre V6 makes it go really fast, if you consider 0-60 in four seconds really fast, and most people do... A combined output of some 400 horsepower drives the rear wheels. And the sticker-price on this car would run a very reasonable $30,000. Impressive numbers on any vehicle, let alone a hybrid. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Ford Airstream Plug-In Hydrogen Fuel Cell Concept

Tue, 09 Jan 2007 12:09:07 GMT

Ford is playing to our space-age side with their futuristic crossover concept, the Airstream. Ford designers looked to the iconic design of the Airstream trailers and the optimistic future of 2001: A Space Odyssey to create this plug-in hydrogen fuel cell concept vehicle unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto show on Sunday. The Ford Airstream concept is powered by a plug-in hydrogen hybrid fuel-cell system called HySeries Drive. Interestingly, the hydrogen fuel cell is not the main power source. The Airstream runs on an electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries which are charged by plugging them in a standard wall socket, and the fuel cell simply acts as an on-board "generator" to recharge the batteries when needed while in transit.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 18:55:59 GMT

As the first day of press preview at the North American International Auto Show comes to a close, it's clear that automakers are taking hybrid technology and alternative fuels seriously. While there are plenty of unapologetic, gas guzzling SUV's to gawk at, you're never too far from a company proudly displaying their commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Granted, a true "commitment" would probably entail halting production of these oil hungry behemoths altogether and replacing them with efficient, earth friendly models. But it's an encouraging start. GM is the big news, hitting the ground running with the Chevy Volt, a battery-powered, four-passenger electric vehicle that uses a gas engine to create additional electricity to extend its range. They also present a hybrid version of the Tahoe tucked away in their exhibit. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

TreeHugger Welcomes Kristi Piziks

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:52:48 GMT