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Chevrolet's Colorado ZH2 Isn't Like Any Colorado Before
William Maley posted an article in Chevrolet
Previous Page Next Page Madness! That was our first thought when we saw the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 - the result of a joint venture of General Motors and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC). Even though it might be called a Colorado, it is unlike anyone you'll find at your nearest Chevrolet dealership. The model is 6.5-feet tall and over 7-feet wide. To accodimate for the larger size, Chevrolet used a lengthened and reinforced version of the Colorado's chassis. A set of 37-inch tires and specially modified suspension help the ZH2 go though any terrain that the Army will throw its way. That's because the ZH2 will be undergoing a number of field tests to determine the viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles on military missions. Yep, the Colorado ZH2 is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. General Motors doesn't provide many details on the fuel cell's powertrain except that it will feature a Exportable Power Take-Off (EPTO) unit. The truck can generate electrcity for the unit which then can be taken away to provide power for various devices. “The Colorado ZH2 is a terrific example of GM’s engineering and design skill in creating an off-road vehicle relevant to a range of potential users. Over the next year, we expect to learn from the Army the limits of what a fuel cell propulsion system can do when really put to the test,” said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM Global Fuel Cell Activities. Source: General Motors Press Release is on Page 2 Mission-Ready Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 Fuel Cell Vehicle Breaks Cover at U.S. Army Show Modified midsize pickup goes into extreme military field testing in 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. — The physically imposing Chevrolet Colorado ZH2, the most extreme off-road-capable fuel-cell-powered electric vehicle ever from General Motors, was revealed today at the fall meeting of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). Standing more than 6½ feet tall and more than seven feet wide, the Colorado ZH2 was built on a stretched midsize pickup chassis. Reinforced inside and out, the ZH2 rides on 37-inch tires and a specially modified suspension that helps the vehicle climb over and descend all manner of terrain. The U.S. Army will test the Colorado ZH2 in extreme field conditions next year to determine the viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles on military missions. The Colorado ZH2 features an Exportable Power Take-Off unit (EPTO) that allows the fuel cell to power activity away from the vehicle, such as remote locations where electric power may otherwise be unavailable. GM and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) collaborated to develop the Colorado ZH2 from contract to concept in less than a year. GM is leveraging a range of advanced technologies for multiple applications, including military. “The speed with which innovative ideas can be demonstrated and assessed is why relationships with industry are so important to the Army,” said Paul Rogers, director of TARDEC. “Fuel cells have the potential to expand the capabilities of Army vehicles significantly through quiet operation, exportable power and solid torque performance, all advances that drove us to investigate this technology further.” The Army will evaluate the ZH2 fuel cell for: Near-silent operation enabling silent watch capability Reduced acoustic and thermal signatures High wheel torque at all speeds via electric drive Low fuel consumption across operating range Water by-product for field uses GM and TARDEC have fuel cell development laboratories located 20 miles apart in southeast Michigan. Most of the Colorado ZH2 was assembled in GM’s Advanced Vehicle Integration facility in Warren. Calibration testing at GM’s Milford Proving Ground will continue into early 2017, when the vehicle will be turned over to the Army for a year of field testing. “The Colorado ZH2 is a terrific example of GM’s engineering and design skill in creating an off-road vehicle relevant to a range of potential users,” said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM Global Fuel Cell Activities. “Over the next year, we expect to learn from the Army the limits of what a fuel cell propulsion system can do when really put to the test.” The Colorado ZH2 contract is GM’s second vehicle development with a U.S military branch announced this year. In June, the U.S. Navy unveiled a GM fuel cell-powered Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) that is currently in pool testing before eventual deployment. The UUV leverages GM fuel cell technology common with the Colorado ZH2, demonstrating the flexibility to power a range of mobile and stationary devices. GM has accumulated 3.1 million miles of hydrogen fuel cell testing via Project Driveway, a 119-vehicle fleet driven by more than 5,000 people in a multi-year fuel cell experience program. Previous Page Next Page -
Previous Page Next Page Madness! That was our first thought when we saw the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 - the result of a joint venture of General Motors and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC). Even though it might be called a Colorado, it is unlike anyone you'll find at your nearest Chevrolet dealership. The model is 6.5-feet tall and over 7-feet wide. To accodimate for the larger size, Chevrolet used a lengthened and reinforced version of the Colorado's chassis. A set of 37-inch tires and specially modified suspension help the ZH2 go though any terrain that the Army will throw its way. That's because the ZH2 will be undergoing a number of field tests to determine the viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles on military missions. Yep, the Colorado ZH2 is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. General Motors doesn't provide many details on the fuel cell's powertrain except that it will feature a Exportable Power Take-Off (EPTO) unit. The truck can generate electrcity for the unit which then can be taken away to provide power for various devices. “The Colorado ZH2 is a terrific example of GM’s engineering and design skill in creating an off-road vehicle relevant to a range of potential users. Over the next year, we expect to learn from the Army the limits of what a fuel cell propulsion system can do when really put to the test,” said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM Global Fuel Cell Activities. Source: General Motors Press Release is on Page 2 Mission-Ready Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 Fuel Cell Vehicle Breaks Cover at U.S. Army Show Modified midsize pickup goes into extreme military field testing in 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. — The physically imposing Chevrolet Colorado ZH2, the most extreme off-road-capable fuel-cell-powered electric vehicle ever from General Motors, was revealed today at the fall meeting of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). Standing more than 6½ feet tall and more than seven feet wide, the Colorado ZH2 was built on a stretched midsize pickup chassis. Reinforced inside and out, the ZH2 rides on 37-inch tires and a specially modified suspension that helps the vehicle climb over and descend all manner of terrain. The U.S. Army will test the Colorado ZH2 in extreme field conditions next year to determine the viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles on military missions. The Colorado ZH2 features an Exportable Power Take-Off unit (EPTO) that allows the fuel cell to power activity away from the vehicle, such as remote locations where electric power may otherwise be unavailable. GM and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) collaborated to develop the Colorado ZH2 from contract to concept in less than a year. GM is leveraging a range of advanced technologies for multiple applications, including military. “The speed with which innovative ideas can be demonstrated and assessed is why relationships with industry are so important to the Army,” said Paul Rogers, director of TARDEC. “Fuel cells have the potential to expand the capabilities of Army vehicles significantly through quiet operation, exportable power and solid torque performance, all advances that drove us to investigate this technology further.” The Army will evaluate the ZH2 fuel cell for: Near-silent operation enabling silent watch capability Reduced acoustic and thermal signatures High wheel torque at all speeds via electric drive Low fuel consumption across operating range Water by-product for field uses GM and TARDEC have fuel cell development laboratories located 20 miles apart in southeast Michigan. Most of the Colorado ZH2 was assembled in GM’s Advanced Vehicle Integration facility in Warren. Calibration testing at GM’s Milford Proving Ground will continue into early 2017, when the vehicle will be turned over to the Army for a year of field testing. “The Colorado ZH2 is a terrific example of GM’s engineering and design skill in creating an off-road vehicle relevant to a range of potential users,” said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM Global Fuel Cell Activities. “Over the next year, we expect to learn from the Army the limits of what a fuel cell propulsion system can do when really put to the test.” The Colorado ZH2 contract is GM’s second vehicle development with a U.S military branch announced this year. In June, the U.S. Navy unveiled a GM fuel cell-powered Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) that is currently in pool testing before eventual deployment. The UUV leverages GM fuel cell technology common with the Colorado ZH2, demonstrating the flexibility to power a range of mobile and stationary devices. GM has accumulated 3.1 million miles of hydrogen fuel cell testing via Project Driveway, a 119-vehicle fleet driven by more than 5,000 people in a multi-year fuel cell experience program. Previous Page Next Page View full article
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Whenever an automaker announces a fuel cell vehicle, one of two things happen: It will be near future (which it doesn't) It goes on sale (only in California since it has the infastructure) Well Toyota's fuel cell vehicle will attempt to buck both of those trends. Meet the 2016 Mirai, Toyota's first fuel cell vehicle that will go on sale starting next year in California. The Mirai is the production version of the FCV concept that has been making the rounds for the past couple of year. The shape looks to be a mix of Prius and Corolla (we'll let you decide if that's a good thing or not). Inside, the Mirai features more influences from the Prius with a digital gauge cluster in the center of the dash and a angular center stack. Power comes from electric motor producing 151 horsepower and peak torque of 247 pound-feet. A proprietary fuel stack combines hydrogen in tanks with oxygen to generate the electricity for the motor. Toyota claims a 0-60 MPH time of 9 seconds and travel up to 300 Miles on tank of hydrogen. Toyota also claims the Mirai can be refueled in five minutes. The Mirai will be available with a power take off (PTO) device which allows the vehicle to act as a generator if you lose power at your house. “For us, this isn’t just another car. This is an opportunity to really make a difference. And making a difference is what Toyota is all about. The future has arrived. And it’s called Mirai,”said Toyota Global CEO Akio Toyoda. While California will be the first market in the U.S. to get Mirai, Toyota says the Northeast (New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island) will follow a year after. But the Northeast doesn't have the infrastructure to support Mirai you may say. Well as part of the Mirai's rollout in the Northeast, fuel cell pumps will be going up thanks to a partnership between Toyota and Air Liquide. Pricing for the 2016 Mirai starts at $57,500. Toyota says purchase price could potentially fall to under $45,000 thanks to state and federal incentives worth a total of $13,000 - though as Autoblog points out, the $8,000 federal incentive could be gone by the time the Mirai goes on sale. If you're interested in leasing, Toyota says you can lease one for $499 a month for 36 months (with $3,649 due at signing). Both options come with free hydrogen fuel for "up to three years." Source: Toyota William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 The Toyota Mirai Brings the Future to Your Driveway Fuel Cell Electric Sedan Marks Turning Point for Zero-Emission Vehicles Range and Refuel Time Compete with Traditional Internal Combustion Engines World-Class, 360 Degree Ownership Experience Available for Sale or Lease in California Beginning Fall 2015 TORRANCE, Calif., (Nov. 17, 2014) – For the second time in a generation, Toyota has re-imagined the future of mobility. The Toyota Mirai is a four-door, mid-size sedan with performance that fully competes with traditional internal combustion engines – but it uses no gasoline and emits nothing but water vapor. The groundbreaking fuel cell electric vehicle is powered by hydrogen, re-fuels in about five minutes, and travels up to 300 miles on a full tank. Mirai will be available to customers in California beginning in fall 2015, with additional markets tracking the expansion of a convenient hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Powered by an industry-leading fuel cell electric drivetrain and supported by an exceptional 360-degree ownership experience, Mirai marks a turning point for consumer expectations for a zero-emission vehicle. Making its Mark with Performance In its basic operation, a fuel cell vehicle works much like a battery electric vehicle. But instead of the large drive battery, Mirai’s fuel cell stack combines hydrogen gas from tanks with oxygen to produce electricity that powers the electric motor. Toyota’s proprietary fuel cell stack represents a major leap forward in performance, delivering one of the world’s best power outputs of 3.1 kW/L at a dramatically reduced size that fits under the front driver and passenger seats. The system provides Mirai with a maximum output of 153hp, accelerating from 0-60 in 9.0 seconds and delivering a passing time of 3 seconds from 25-40 mph. What’s more, thanks to fuel cell technology’s versatility and adaptability, the Mirai offers performance options that go well beyond a traditional automobile. In fact, the vehicle will be offered with an optional power take off (PTO) device that enables Mirai to serve as a mobile generator in case of emergency. With the PTO accessory, Mirai is capable of powering home essentials in an average house for up to a week in an emergency – while emitting only water in the process. Safe and Reliable Transportation Toyota began fuel cell development in Japan in the early 90s and have developed a series of fuel cell vehicles, subjecting them to more than a million miles of road testing. In the last two years alone, fuel cell test vehicles have logged thousands of miles on North American roads. This includes hot testing in Death Valley, cold testing in Yellowknife, Canada, steep grade hill climbs in San Francisco and high altitude trips in Colorado. The Toyota-designed carbon fiber hydrogen tanks have also undergone extreme testing to ensure their strength and durability in a crash. This extended legacy of research and development is reflected in Mirai’s safety and reliability. At Toyota’s advanced Higashifuji Safety Center, the vehicle has been subjected to extensive crash testing to evaluate a design specifically intended to address frontal, side and rear impacts and to provide excellent protection of vehicle occupants. A high level of collision safety has also been achieved to help protect the fuel cell stack and high-pressure tanks against body deformation. Mirai will also feature a broad range of standard onboard safety technologies, including vehicle pre-collision, blind spot monitor, lane departure alert, drive start control and automatic high beams. Focused on the Consumer Toyota believes that outstanding vehicle performance must be matched by an exceptional ownership experience. And Toyota is committed to delivering on that promise. When it hits the market in 2015, customers can take advantage of Mirai’s $499 per month/36 month lease option, with $3649 due at lease signing, or purchase the vehicle for $57,500. With combined state and federal incentives of $13,000 available to many customers, the purchase price could potentially fall to under $45,000. The vehicle will be matched by a comprehensive, 360-degree Ownership Experience offering a range of services, including: 24/7 concierge service, with calls answered by a dedicated fuel cell representative; 24/7 enhanced roadside assistance, including towing, battery, flat tire assistance, trip interruption reimbursement, and loaner vehicle; Three years of Toyota Care maintenance, which covers all recommended factory maintenance, up to 12,000 miles annually; Eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on fuel cell components; Entune and three years of complimentary Safety Connect, including hydrogen station map app; and, Complimentary hydrogen fuel for up to three years. Building a Convenient Refueling Infrastructure In addition, Toyota continues to support the development of a convenient and reliable hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Research at the University of California Irvine’s Advanced Power and Energy Program (APEP) has found that 68 stations, located at the proper sites, could handle a FCV population of at least 10,000 vehicles. Those stations are on their way to becoming a reality. By the end of 2015, 3 of California’s 9 active hydrogen stations and 17 newly-constructed stations are scheduled to be opened to the general public, with 28 additional stations set to come online by the end of 2016, bringing the near-term total to 48 stations. Nineteen of those 48 stations will be built by FirstElement Fuels, supported by a $7.3 million loan from Toyota. The company has also announced additional efforts to develop infrastructure in the country’s Northeast region. In 2016, Air Liquide, in collaboration with Toyota, is targeting construction of 12 stations in five states – New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. -
Whenever an automaker announces a fuel cell vehicle, one of two things happen: It will be near future (which it doesn't) It goes on sale (only in California since it has the infastructure) Well Toyota's fuel cell vehicle will attempt to buck both of those trends. Meet the 2016 Mirai, Toyota's first fuel cell vehicle that will go on sale starting next year in California. The Mirai is the production version of the FCV concept that has been making the rounds for the past couple of year. The shape looks to be a mix of Prius and Corolla (we'll let you decide if that's a good thing or not). Inside, the Mirai features more influences from the Prius with a digital gauge cluster in the center of the dash and a angular center stack. Power comes from electric motor producing 151 horsepower and peak torque of 247 pound-feet. A proprietary fuel stack combines hydrogen in tanks with oxygen to generate the electricity for the motor. Toyota claims a 0-60 MPH time of 9 seconds and travel up to 300 Miles on tank of hydrogen. Toyota also claims the Mirai can be refueled in five minutes. The Mirai will be available with a power take off (PTO) device which allows the vehicle to act as a generator if you lose power at your house. “For us, this isn’t just another car. This is an opportunity to really make a difference. And making a difference is what Toyota is all about. The future has arrived. And it’s called Mirai,”said Toyota Global CEO Akio Toyoda. While California will be the first market in the U.S. to get Mirai, Toyota says the Northeast (New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island) will follow a year after. But the Northeast doesn't have the infrastructure to support Mirai you may say. Well as part of the Mirai's rollout in the Northeast, fuel cell pumps will be going up thanks to a partnership between Toyota and Air Liquide. Pricing for the 2016 Mirai starts at $57,500. Toyota says purchase price could potentially fall to under $45,000 thanks to state and federal incentives worth a total of $13,000 - though as Autoblog points out, the $8,000 federal incentive could be gone by the time the Mirai goes on sale. If you're interested in leasing, Toyota says you can lease one for $499 a month for 36 months (with $3,649 due at signing). Both options come with free hydrogen fuel for "up to three years." Source: Toyota William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 The Toyota Mirai Brings the Future to Your Driveway Fuel Cell Electric Sedan Marks Turning Point for Zero-Emission Vehicles Range and Refuel Time Compete with Traditional Internal Combustion Engines World-Class, 360 Degree Ownership Experience Available for Sale or Lease in California Beginning Fall 2015 TORRANCE, Calif., (Nov. 17, 2014) – For the second time in a generation, Toyota has re-imagined the future of mobility. The Toyota Mirai is a four-door, mid-size sedan with performance that fully competes with traditional internal combustion engines – but it uses no gasoline and emits nothing but water vapor. The groundbreaking fuel cell electric vehicle is powered by hydrogen, re-fuels in about five minutes, and travels up to 300 miles on a full tank. Mirai will be available to customers in California beginning in fall 2015, with additional markets tracking the expansion of a convenient hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Powered by an industry-leading fuel cell electric drivetrain and supported by an exceptional 360-degree ownership experience, Mirai marks a turning point for consumer expectations for a zero-emission vehicle. Making its Mark with Performance In its basic operation, a fuel cell vehicle works much like a battery electric vehicle. But instead of the large drive battery, Mirai’s fuel cell stack combines hydrogen gas from tanks with oxygen to produce electricity that powers the electric motor. Toyota’s proprietary fuel cell stack represents a major leap forward in performance, delivering one of the world’s best power outputs of 3.1 kW/L at a dramatically reduced size that fits under the front driver and passenger seats. The system provides Mirai with a maximum output of 153hp, accelerating from 0-60 in 9.0 seconds and delivering a passing time of 3 seconds from 25-40 mph. What’s more, thanks to fuel cell technology’s versatility and adaptability, the Mirai offers performance options that go well beyond a traditional automobile. In fact, the vehicle will be offered with an optional power take off (PTO) device that enables Mirai to serve as a mobile generator in case of emergency. With the PTO accessory, Mirai is capable of powering home essentials in an average house for up to a week in an emergency – while emitting only water in the process. Safe and Reliable Transportation Toyota began fuel cell development in Japan in the early 90s and have developed a series of fuel cell vehicles, subjecting them to more than a million miles of road testing. In the last two years alone, fuel cell test vehicles have logged thousands of miles on North American roads. This includes hot testing in Death Valley, cold testing in Yellowknife, Canada, steep grade hill climbs in San Francisco and high altitude trips in Colorado. The Toyota-designed carbon fiber hydrogen tanks have also undergone extreme testing to ensure their strength and durability in a crash. This extended legacy of research and development is reflected in Mirai’s safety and reliability. At Toyota’s advanced Higashifuji Safety Center, the vehicle has been subjected to extensive crash testing to evaluate a design specifically intended to address frontal, side and rear impacts and to provide excellent protection of vehicle occupants. A high level of collision safety has also been achieved to help protect the fuel cell stack and high-pressure tanks against body deformation. Mirai will also feature a broad range of standard onboard safety technologies, including vehicle pre-collision, blind spot monitor, lane departure alert, drive start control and automatic high beams. Focused on the Consumer Toyota believes that outstanding vehicle performance must be matched by an exceptional ownership experience. And Toyota is committed to delivering on that promise. When it hits the market in 2015, customers can take advantage of Mirai’s $499 per month/36 month lease option, with $3649 due at lease signing, or purchase the vehicle for $57,500. With combined state and federal incentives of $13,000 available to many customers, the purchase price could potentially fall to under $45,000. The vehicle will be matched by a comprehensive, 360-degree Ownership Experience offering a range of services, including: 24/7 concierge service, with calls answered by a dedicated fuel cell representative; 24/7 enhanced roadside assistance, including towing, battery, flat tire assistance, trip interruption reimbursement, and loaner vehicle; Three years of Toyota Care maintenance, which covers all recommended factory maintenance, up to 12,000 miles annually; Eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on fuel cell components; Entune and three years of complimentary Safety Connect, including hydrogen station map app; and, Complimentary hydrogen fuel for up to three years. Building a Convenient Refueling Infrastructure In addition, Toyota continues to support the development of a convenient and reliable hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Research at the University of California Irvine’s Advanced Power and Energy Program (APEP) has found that 68 stations, located at the proper sites, could handle a FCV population of at least 10,000 vehicles. Those stations are on their way to becoming a reality. By the end of 2015, 3 of California’s 9 active hydrogen stations and 17 newly-constructed stations are scheduled to be opened to the general public, with 28 additional stations set to come online by the end of 2016, bringing the near-term total to 48 stations. Nineteen of those 48 stations will be built by FirstElement Fuels, supported by a $7.3 million loan from Toyota. The company has also announced additional efforts to develop infrastructure in the country’s Northeast region. In 2016, Air Liquide, in collaboration with Toyota, is targeting construction of 12 stations in five states – New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. View full article
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G. David Felt Alternative Fuels & Propulsion writer www.CheersandGears.com Tucson Fuel Cell Leases Start! Hyundai started today leasing the Tucson Fuel Cell CUV in California. These leases include fuel and maintenance for 36 months. The first one rolled off the lot according to Hyundai this morning. 36 – Month Lease $2,999 due at lease signing $499 a month The Tucson is rated at 265 mile range on a tank full of Hydrogen. It takes 10 minutes to fully fuel the Tucson compared to current EVs that can take from 30 min with a level 3 charger to 14 plus hours on a 110V charging system. California is allowing those with Fuel Cell auto’s to use the HOV lanes. Hyundai for the life of the lease will come to you were ever you are to pick up the auto for maintenance and return it with a full tank and detailed. Hyundai gives the following powertrain information: Powertrain 134HP @ 5000 rpm 221lb feet of torque @ 1000 rpm Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell with 12.4lb tank capacity at 10,000psi Fuel Cell Power 100kW Electric motor 100kW Battery type Li-Polymer Performance Maximum speed 100mph 0-62 mph 12.5 seconds Single speed Transmission FWD MPG 49 / 51 / 50 = City / Highway / Combined Dimensions Overall Length – 173.6 inches Overall Height – 65.2 inches Overall Width – 71.7 inches Head Room – 39.4 inches front, 39.1 inches rear Safety Features VSM – Vehicle Stability Management ESC – Electronic Stability Control TCS – Traction Control System ABS – Anti-lock Braking System BA – Brake Assist HAC – Hillstart Assist Control SRS – Advanced dual front airbags SRS – Duel front seat-mounted side-impact airbags For more details on how their car works and further questions with answers check out their new web page. https://www.hyundaiusa.com/tucsonfuelcell?cid=sem&k_clickid=61cce0c1-5aac-3209-5a71-0000515618f1
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G. David Felt Alternative Fuels & Propulsion writer www.CheersandGears.com It seems like yesterday or about 2 years ago when Toyota announced the RAV4 EV to the world. At this time they announced a 60 million contract with Tesla to produce powertrains for the RAV4 EV. Full story: http://editorial.autos.msn.com/listarticle.aspx?cp-documentid=1169602 Fast forward to Oct 2013 where Elon Musk in speaking his mind calling Hydrogen powered cars 'bullsh$t'. http://editorial.autos.msn.com/blogs/post--elon-musk-calls-hydrogen-powered-cars-bullsht?_blg=3 Earlier this year, Toyota made news when they stated they would discontinue the RAV4 EV. A joint project that had a Tesla powertrain in a Toyota CUV Body. Toyota stated that their contract with Tesla called for 2500 battery electric powertrains for the RAV4 EV and it was fulfilled. http://bizbeatblog.dallasnews.com/2014/05/toyota-will-cease-production-of-electric-models-of-rav4.html/ On April 30th 2014 Toyota became the first auto maker to sponsor the Milken Institute Global Conference with stating their commitment to Hybrid auto's powered by fuel cells. http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+2014+milken+institute+global+conference.htm Today we now have stories that tend to wrap this all up in a nice package. Stories such as MSN's about Toyota betting on Fuel cells over batteries seem to point to a war of words. Was the contract terminated due to Elon's BS comment or more to do with Tesla bringing out their own CUV EV? http://editorial.autos.msn.com/blogs/post--toyota-betting-on-hydrogen-over-batteries-for-future-ev-models Either way, it would seem that the RAV4 EV is dead, Toyota is betting on Hybrid Fuel Cell Auto's and Tesla has their upcoming CUV EV to take the place left empty by the RAV4 EV demise. Sound off, do you think Toyota or Tesla have the best game plan moving forward? Both have deep pockets, both have commitment. Who will win?
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Toyota declared in September that it’s watering down its battery electric vehicle (BEV) plans by cutting back the production of the small Toyota eQ (known as the Scion iQ stateside). You will find some interesting information as Toyota moves forward with Fuel Cell's rather than pure electric auto's. Sales of Plug in Vehicles, North America (2011 & 2012) Type - 2011 ------ 2012 (YTD)--(Since 1/1/2011) Cumulative HEV----268,807---322,516--------591,323 PHEV--8,272----- 25,944----------34,216 BEV----9,966----- 6,802-----------16,768 Source: Pike Research Most BEVs skirt the edge of a 100-mile range, stretching up to the $100,000 Model S, from Tesla, which can go nearly 300 miles on a single charge. EV advocates and battery manufacturers have long insisted that a battery breakthrough on the horizon will triple battery ranges while drastically reducing battery costs. Regardless of how far the BEV can go on a full battery, however, it still takes hours to recharge instead of the minutes it takes to refill a conventional gas vehicle. Toyota’s hydrogen vehicles can already achieve ranges and refill times comparable to conventional gas vehicles. For more info go to: http://fuelcellswork...ember_181315269
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Toyota declared in September that it’s watering down its battery electric vehicle (BEV) plans by cutting back the production of the small Toyota eQ (known as the Scion iQ stateside). You will find some interesting information as Toyota moves forward with Fuel Cell's rather than pure electric auto's. Sales of Plug in Vehicles, North America (2011 & 2012) Type - 2011 ------ 2012 (YTD)--(Since 1/1/2011) Cumulative HEV----268,807---322,516--------591,323 PHEV--8,272----- 25,944----------34,216 BEV----9,966----- 6,802-----------16,768 Source: Pike Research Most BEVs skirt the edge of a 100-mile range, stretching up to the $100,000 Model S, from Tesla, which can go nearly 300 miles on a single charge. EV advocates and battery manufacturers have long insisted that a battery breakthrough on the horizon will triple battery ranges while drastically reducing battery costs. Regardless of how far the BEV can go on a full battery, however, it still takes hours to recharge instead of the minutes it takes to refill a conventional gas vehicle. Toyota’s hydrogen vehicles can already achieve ranges and refill times comparable to conventional gas vehicles. For more info go to: http://fuelcellswork...ember_181315269 View full article
