Monday, January 24, 2011

Gas 2.0

Gas 2.0

Electric Mazda2 Coming to Japan in 2012

Posted: 24 Jan 2011 03:27 PM PST

Mazda seems intent on exploring all aspects of alternative fuels, from diesels to fuel cell to pure electrics. The latest facet of this multi-pronged approached is an electric Mazda2 city car, coming to Japan in 2012.

We've covered Mazda's diesel and fuel cell projects before, and the independent Japanese automaker remains a punky underdog. Rather than license the electric drive technology from Ford, who they used to have a close relationship with, Mazda is working on their own electric drive system, but will use an unnamed source for batteries. The driving range of these Mazda2 electrics would be about 124 miles per charge, and would sell for around 3 million yen, or $36,500, after government subsidies. Mazda could begin leasing the first round of electric vehicles as soon as spring of 2012.

This is a marked difference from earliest statements from Mazda, who seemed intent on improving the fuel efficiency of its gasoline and diesel models rather than develop electric or hybrid cars. Mazda still has a number of fuel efficient motors and cars on the way, but are they going to change their tune and start exploring electric cars more and more? I was hoping to get my hands on a hydrogen RX-8 myself, but that might remain a pipe dream for now.

Source: Reuters

Chris DeMorro is a writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to Hemis. You can follow his slow descent into madness at Sublime Burnout.

Chevy Volt Production Could Hit 120,000 by 2012

Posted: 24 Jan 2011 10:17 AM PST

Few vehicles have been as polarizing as the Chevy Volt, and it seems to have exceeded expectations both with reviewers and consumers. It's been such a success that GM could double production capacity to 120,000 cars by next year.

What was supposed to be a slow, controlled rollout of the Volt seems to be turning into something of a rushed landslide of extended-range electric cars. The first production Volt was only built back in November, but GM is apparently pressuring suppliers to crank up production to meet demands for the Volt. GM had initially planned to produce 10,000 Volts in 2011, and now may try to make as many as 25,000. Next year iGm really plans to turn up the heat, hoping to produce (and obviously sell) 120,000 Chevy Volts by the end of 2012. That's twice the number they expected to build, which is a good sign of a recovering economy and auto company.

I'm sure a big reason for this rush on the Volt is the $7,500 federal tax credit, which takes a big bite out of the Volt's $41,000 base price. This credit will apply to the first 200,000 Volts built, so by 2013 the credit could expire. I was hoping to wait a few years and let the price come down, but apparently other people just don't want to wait. Will this alter your plans for purchasing a Chevy Volt, or are you already waiting in line for your chance to get one?

Source: Bloomberg

Chris DeMorro is a writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to Hemis. You can follow his slow descent into madness at Sublime Burnout.
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