Electric Vehicles

Rinspeed has released more information about and images of its microMAX EV concept, now invoking the smart city with its description of the vehicle as "the networked swarm car." The company has released a host of images which give a more detailed idea of Rinspeed CEO Frank M. Rinderknecht's vision for an efficient, space-saving mode of urban vehicle which clearly hopes to catch the eye of taxi operators and parcel delivery firms. It's the interior images that are perhaps most interesting of all.  Read More

The Segway never actually changed the way cities are built – or anything else for that matter – but to a certain segment of commuter, a small, light, zero-emissions mode of transportation remains quite attractive. The Scuddy is a German-built electric scooter that fits the bill. It folds up for easy transport, allows riders to sit or stand, and provides an attractive alternative to cars, bikes and motorcycles ... and Segways.  Read More

Somewhere between a steroids-infused shopping cart and a smart car exists the ever-so-tiny Casple-Podadera city car. With parking spaces at a premium in most European cities, the need to condense vehicles into tighter and tighter spaces is becoming an ever increasing economic and spatial concern. So unlike other inner-city cars, the cumbersomely named Spanish transporter brings with it a unique folding characteristic.  Read More

One thousand miles of treacherous open desert, 750 lb ft of torque at zero rpm and a top speed of 125 mph; that’s what's in store for the drivers of the EV1 electric off-road racer. Not exactly your father’s Prius, this vehicle dedicated to proving the legitimacy of "green racing" is the brain child of the Strategic Recovery Institute: a California-based non-profit group focusing on sustainable design.  Read More

Zero Motorcycles has followed the launch of its 2013 consumer range with special versions of its Dual Sport and Street models designed for law enforcement and security patrols. The 2013 Police/Security models feature a powerful new motor, front protection bars with a built-in siren system, and a four-way emergency flasher system.  Read More

Like a cross between a genetically flawed Segway and a YikeBike, the Spanish-designed SSIKE e-Scooter looks to be more inner-city toy than serious people mover. However, aesthetic prowess aside, its reasonably zippy top speed, light weight and portable design could make it a viable addition to the growing list of last-mile transport options out there.  Read More

An intriguing overhead image released by Toyota last Thursday suggests the motor company may unveil an unusual electric concept vehicle, dubbed i-Road, at the 83rd Geneva Motor Show in March.  Read More

Weighing in as it does at a mere 45 kg (99 lb), it's tempting to categorize the Xkuty as an electric bicycle. There's a small problem with doing so, though. It doesn't have any pedals. Needless to say, its designers from Spain bill this as a feature (thanks to the lack of chain), though it does leave little room for debate: the Xkuty is a scooter, albeit a remarkably lightweight one.  Read More

Nissan is looking to make it easier for U.S. owners of its LEAF and other electric vehicles to charge their batteries when out and about. Over the next 18 months the automaker plans to add at least 500 quick-charging stations across the country, with the roll out to include the first fast-charge network for the greater Washington D.C. area.  Read More