Before GM canceled the Saturn line, it touted the Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid SUV as one of the company's upcoming electric cars. Now, the model's fate is unclear.
(Scott R. Galvin/UPI Photo/NEWSCOM)Photos (1 of 1)
Electric cars around the corner
By Chris Gaylord | 03.16.09
Last week’s Innovation article on electric cars charging ahead mentions that: “At least nine car companies worldwide say that by 2013 they will offer plug-in vehicles that use electric motors as their primary means of propulsion, according to Plug-in America, an activist group. Some will be all-electric drive vehicles (EV). Most will be plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) that use small gasoline engines as a backup.”
For those readers who wondered how Plug-in America came up with that figure, here’s the list:
GM
Chevy Volt – Demo 2009, production November 2010
Saturn Vue PHEV – 2010. Note: GM has discontinued the Saturn line and the Vue’s fate in unclear.
Nissan
EV – 2010
Toyota
Plug-in Hybrid Prius – Demo 2010, production 2011
Chrysler
PHEV – 2010
EV Jeep – by 2013
EV Minivan – by 2013
EV Roadster – by 2013
Ford
Plug-in Hybrid Escape – 2012
EV Magna – 2011
BMW
e-Mini – 2009
Audi
A1 Sportback PHEV – 2011
Hyundai
PHEV Sonata – 2013
Volkswagen
PHEV Golf – 2011
Plus, there are entrepreneurial companies:
Tesla (now and 2011)
Fisker (2009)
BYD (2009)
Bright Automotive (2012)
Miles (2009)
Aptera (2009)
Persu Mobility (2011)
Myers Motors (now)
And finally, PHEV conversions from:
A123/Hymotion
Plug-in Conversions
3-Prong Power
Thanks to Jay Friedland at Plug-in America for this list. You can read the Monitor full report on coming electric vehicles here.
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2. Sara | 03.20.09
Yes elecrtric cars are making a come back, but has any one addressed the grid problem? so many people on the grid powering their cars will put to much strain on the grid. SO solutions..have car batteries being powered by other eco frindly means.
As a company bringing out digitial electric motors for vechiles and many other industries, we have taken on the responcibility of what powers our motors and an intire plan for indiviual powering. Check us out cyclzone.com and you will get a little of why we are different.
3. Sally | 04.02.09
Has anyone checked out the health risks associated with driving electric cars? It just seems that we are so plugged in and wired these days - cell phones, computers, IPODS, etc - and I have concerns about this issue.
The main “health risk” that I have found is more about people getting hit with electric cars because they are so quiet and people can’t really hear them coming… but what about driving in them for long periods of time?
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1. Peter Oppewall | 03.16.09
There are over 100 companies offering gas to electric, and hybrid electric vehicle conversions http://EVtransPortal.org/conversions.html
There are also countless more companies offering electric cars such as the Tango produced by Commuter Cars Corporation. For a more comprehensive look see http://EVtransPortal.org (nonprofit organization).
The BMW Mini mentioned is only being produced in a very limited number (500) for lease in three states as a test bed for the company. The propulsion system is by AC Propulsion, a California based company.