Plug-in Hybrid

Given the popularity of CUVs (crossover utility vehicles) among consumers, it’s not surprising that this segment is popular ground for auto manufacturers developing concept vehicles. Subaru’s latest CUV concept, which it has dished up at this year’s Geneva Auto Show, is the Viziv. The company describes the Viziv – a name somehow derived from “Vision for Innovation” – as a crossover vehicle with a hybrid powertrain that gives a hint at Subaru’s future design direction and technologies.  Read More

Back in 2009, before the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt were ready for market, the world heard loud, overinflated claims of "367" and "230" mpg ratings. Talk is cheap, and actual EPA testing sent those ratings rocketing right back down to Earth at 99 mpg-e and 60 mpg, respectively. Volkswagen is the latest to get in on the 200+ mpg game, claiming its XL1 will be capable of 261 mpg (European cycle). Thanks to a radical approach that slashes weight, optimizes aerodynamics and wrings every last drop of fuel, Volkswagen may actually make good - or at least get close.  Read More

While big names like Corvette and NSX hogged the spotlight, one of the most visually attractive vehicles at this year's Detroit Auto Show came from a name that may be completely unfamiliar to the western autophile. China's Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) had the E-JET concept perched in the hallway of Cobo Hall, providing a warm welcome to those that entered through the doors feet beyond. The concept combines eye-capturing styling with green engineering.  Read More

Cadillac unveiled the ELR at this week's North American International Auto Show. Essentially a Chevy Volt in upscale Cadillac dress, the ELR brings plug-in hybrid technology to the consumer that simply isn't willing to give up luxurious appointments for fuel economy gains.  Read More

Volkswagen has used the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) to premiere an interesting mid-size diesel plug-in hybrid SUV concept designed specifically for the American and Canadian markets – the CrossBlue. The concept's powertrain combines a turbocharged 4-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel engine, two electric motors (40 kW in the front and 85 kW in the rear), a dual-clutch transmission and an almost baffling number of driving modes to deliver a combined city/highway fuel economy of 89 MPGe (2.6 l/100km equivalent) when driven in hybrid mode, or 35 MPG (6.7 l/100km) in diesel-only.  Read More

Cadillac announced this week that it will debut the ELR plug-in hybrid at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) next month. Based on the 2009 Converj concept, the ELR 2+2 coupe will re-purpose Chevy Volt technology in a sportier, more upscale package.  Read More

The electric and plug-in hybrid car industry is learning the lesson of the mobile phone makers. Instead of allowing a plethora of incompatible charging plugs to sprout up, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International hopes to forestall confusion by settling on one charging plug design for North America. SAE has selected the J1772 combo plug as the standard, which uses paired couplers to allow for both AC and DC charging using the same plug.  Read More

Audi has provided a hint at what to expect from its upcoming Q models with the unveiling of its crosslane coupé concept at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Packed to its removable roof with technology, the angular plug-in hybrid combines two electric motors with a purpose-designed three-cylinder TFSI engine for a total output of 130 kW (177 hp). This gets the 2+2 seater to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.6 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 182 km/h (113 mph).  Read More

BMW is bringing its BMW Concept Active Tourer to the 2012 Paris Motor Show, which takes place September 29 to October 14. The four-door plug-in hybrid concept car showcases technology that combines fuel efficiency and comfort in a design aimed at the premium compact market.  Read More