The NY Times looks at the major considerations shaping the entire manufacturing process, from conception to production, in an effort to explain what they see as a missed opportunity for electric cars to redefine vehicle aesthetics from the ground up.

The limited battery range and lack of known charging stations, which have hindered electric vehicles’ popularity among average folks, turn out to be a match made in heaven for Zipcar. With a vast majority, 95 percent, of its customers using the service for trips lasting less than four hours and not more than 25 miles, electric cars are ideally suited for the Zipcar sharing platform. Including Citroen c1 and plug-in hybrid Toyota Prius the Electric Vehicle Pod aims to extend the platform for evaluation of new alternative vehicle technologies.
The world’s largest car sharing service launched another innovative project earlier this [...]

A few months back, we wrote about McDonald’s “green” prototype restaurant in Chicago and now we see the popular burger chain is attempting to expand its positive, environmental footprint. In addition to the eco-friendly policies we previously mentioned – LED light fixtures, drought resistant plants and special hybrid parking – the new Golden Arches opening July 14th in Cary, North Carolina will feature an electric vehicle charging station, part of NovaCharge’s ChargePoint Network - a connected model that provides subscription-based access.
As the press release notes, this new relationship enables customers to enjoy a McDonald’s meal, while waiting for their vehicles to charge. [...]

While many of us have marveled at the pay-for-your-car-by-paying-for-the power project called Better Place, Ben Jervey, writing in he Transport issue of Good Magazine, wonders if the service the start-up offers is really the best option. He says that there are a few “obvious” problems that will inhibit the growth of Better Place:
* Consumer-choice – not enough options when the project goes live (and the Hawaiian governor wanted convertibles!).
* Location of recharge-stations – the company will have a tough time persuading gas station owners and franchisees to take a risk on a long term investment
* Proprietary technology – people will [...]

Images of the partially uncovered Model S have been circulating for some time. Today, Tesla finally unveiled its first ground up production vehicle. The Model S will sell for an anticipated $49,900, up to 300-mile range and a 45-minute QuickCharge capability.
The standard Model S does 0-60 mph in under six seconds and will have an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph, with sport versions expected to achieve 0-60 mph acceleration well below five seconds. A single-speed gearbox delivers effortless acceleration and responsive handling. A 17-inch touchscreen with in-car 3G connectivity allows passengers to listen to Pandora Radio or consult [...]

Norwegian electric car maker Think announced yesterday that it plans to open a new manufacturing plant and technical center in the US. The company is currently talking with eight states about a potential location for the facility. The company estimates initially 16,000 cars will be built a year by 300 workers. The technical center will employ 70 engineers and electric drive specialists. Think’s goal is to produce 60,000 electric vehicles per year and employ 900 workers.
The U.S. is quickly overtaking Europe as an attractive market for EVs and is an ideal location to engineer and build EVs. We see ourselves [...]

During 2008, the U.S. Army moved to establish the Army Energy Task Force to assess and implement various energy initiatives with an aim towards reducing consumption while promoting alternative and renewable fuels sources and creating an overall culture of awareness throughout its operations. Earlier this week, we had an opportunity to sit in on a discussion with Mr. Paul Bollinger, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Energy and Partnerships and Executive Secretary of the newly formed Senior Energy Council, to learn about the Army’s first pilot project to rollout in 2009. With its Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) program, the [...]