Ford plans a Model E, the 200-mile electric vehicle

Not disguising their desire to fast-track development of Ford EVs with longer range, Ford bought one of the first Tesla Model X electric SUV for nearly $212,000 in a clear effort to learn as much as they can about EV and battery technology.

CEO Mark Fields stated it will introduce a long-range electrical auto that would be competitive with announced designs from General Motors and Tesla Motors that go at least 200 miles on a charge and cost around $35,000 before choices. The EV vehicle from Ford is still a mystery today but if Mark's words are true, then the auto will come out with more than 200 miles of driving range to offer.

The new 2017 model year Focus Electric will have its driving range bumped up from 122 kilometres (76 miles) to 161km (100mi).

Ford owns the trademark to the "Model E" name after registering it with the US Patent and Trademark Office in December 2013.

Ford aims to be the in the 200-mile, $35,000 electric vehicle market.

Ford now offers the Focus Electric which has a range of 76 miles and the 2017 Ford Focus Electric is expected to have an all-electric range of about 100 miles.

Nevertheless, despite now offering only about half the range of the Chevrolet and Tesla alternatives, the Ford CEO said his company wanted to lead the way in offering a new era of long-range battery-powered and hybrid vehicles. "When you look at some of the competitors and what they've announced, clearly, that's something we're developing for".

Mr. Brauer also said he believes Ford's move could force other auto manufacturers' hands in entering the EV market, adding that he anticipates rivals like Hyundai, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Toyota Motor Company, and Volkswagen AG will soon make "similar announcements". Likely to have a price around US$29,000 ($38,000), the Focus EV will undercut upcoming electric cars from GM and Tesla.

Source: Ford plans a Model E, the 200-mile electric vehicle

5 Reasons Tesla Model X Is Best Car For Zombie Apocalypse

Air Quality

Published on May 3rd, 2016 | by Chris Boylan

May 3rd, 2016 by Chris Boylan 

Preppers are gonna prep, and doomsayers are gonna preach about Armageddon. If you're one of those folks who believes that an SHTF (Shit Hits The Fan) event is right around the corner, you might consider a fully electric SUV like the Tesla Model X as a hedge against impending disaster. Whether it's a government meltdown, a viral epidemic, and/or zombie apocalypse, here are five reasons the Tesla Model X is the best car to own when civilization breaks down.

Several unique features of the Tesla Model X may make it the ideal ride when civilization crumbles. | Picture courtesy of skepple.net

#5) It's Powered by the Sun (or the Wind)

The Tesla Model X features a 100% electric drivetrain and high-capacity lithium-ion battery packs. So even if the electrical grid fails and gas stations shut down, you'll be able to charge up your Tesla Model X right in your compound from solar panels or wind turbines. Sure, it might take a really large solar panel system to get enough juice for a full 250-mile range charge, but you'll need that anyway to power the hair dryers for your wives and daughters. Be sure to pick up a few Tesla Powerwalls  so you can keep the lights (and the hair dryers) on at night and during those chilly winters.

#4) 5,000 Pounds of Towing Capacity Makes Supply Runs a Breeze

Without an internal combustion engine taking up the whole front of your car, the Model X has plenty of space for Bug-Out-Bags in its spacious frunk (front trunk). But even with the Model X's overall rated storage capacity of 77 cubic feet, there are times you're going to need to haul more gear, and that's where a trailer will come in handy. As the first fully electric SUV with decent towing capacity, the Model X can haul a whole lot of essentials. Whether that's guns and ammo, cinder blocks to shore up your defenses, or just a shitload of beef jerky, you'll be glad you can haul around a couple of tons worth of gear and supplies without ripping the seats in your vegan-friendly, luxuriously supple, non-leather interior.

The Model X falcon-wing doors allow you to load up survivors on rescue missions. | Photo courtesy of Tesla Motors

#3) 0–60 in 3.2 Seconds: Outrun the Competition

Face it: in an SHTF scenario, there's going to be a lot of competition for limited resources. You're gonna want to get in and out of wherever you're going quickly. And with the Ludicrous Speed–equipped Model X P90D's top speed of 155 miles per hour, 713 lb-ft of instant torque, 503 horsepower to the rear motor and 259 horsepower to the front, you'll be ready to roll. The Model X won't just leave the walking dead in the dust; it will also outrun those opportunistic scavengers who want what you've got. And long-term battery studies on the Roadster and Model S suggest that you'll still have plenty of range after many years of use and many thousands of miles traveled. So you'll be able to get around just fine as you wait for society to recover.

#2) Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive Makes Off-Roading a Breeze

In the post-apocalyptic future, highway maintenance will be one of the first things to fall by the wayside. With fully independent front and rear high-torque electric motors, and user-adjustable air suspension height, the Model X should be able to get around road hazards and sloppy conditions with ease. Just be sure to opt for the base 20-inch wheels and pick up some winter tires and chains if you're hunkering down in the great white north. Those upgraded 22-inch rims and Z-rated performance tires might work well on the track but they won't do you much good on those choked up pothole-ridden post-apocalyptic roadways.

#1) Bio-Weapon Defense Mode Keeps Your Cabin Air Fresh and Clean

Even Tesla seems to think that our future may not be so rosy, or at least that situations may arise where the air conditions outside may not be up to snuff. So they've built a powerful HEPA air filter into the Model X that can reportedly withstand a military-grade bio-weapon attack. Just be sure to roll up those windows tight, kiddies, and opt for the "Premium Upgrades Package" (required in order to get the HEPA filter). This so-called Bio-Weapon Defense Mode is said to capture all manner of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants in the air, including most bacteria, viruses, pollen, and mold spores. It's so powerful it actually cleans the air outside the car too (though doing that for your whole bunker may take a while). So while the rest of the world is dropping like flies, you can kick back and relax. You can find out more about Bio-Weapon Defense Mode in Tesla's blog post.

Tesla put their Bio-Weapon Defense Mode to the test by sealing the Model X inside a toxic bubble with real people inside (spoiler alert: they lived) | Photo courtesy of Tesla Motors

Price is Irrelevant!

Of course, the Model X is an expensive car ($83,000 for a base model, around $152,000 for a fully loaded P90D), but hey, maybe that's a bargain considering the $200,000 Ford paid to get one early? And what good will that 401K retirement account be when the banks fail? Just how much is your family's survival worth to you, anyway?

Follow the author on Twitter at @MrBoylan or connect with him on Google+  Get CleanTechnica's 1st (completely free) electric car report → "Electric Cars: What Early Adopters & First Followers Want." Keep up to date with all the hottest cleantech news by subscribing to our (free) cleantech newsletter, or keep an eye on sector-specific news by getting our (also free) solar energy newsletter, electric vehicle newsletter, or wind energy newsletter. 

Tags: model x, prepping, shtf, Tesla Model X, zombie apocalypse

About the Author

Chris Boylan is an EV and alternative fuel enthusiast who has been writing about technology since 2003.

Source: 5 Reasons Tesla Model X Is Best Car For Zombie Apocalypse

BMW i3 electric car range extended to 195 miles

BMW will launch a revised version of its i3 electric car in July 2016, with a bigger battery capacity that extends the range to almost 200 miles.

The i3 94Ah model gets a larger-capacity 33kWh battery that adds more than 50% to the standard NEDC-tested EV distance: BMW now claims a range of 195 miles in everyday driving.

That's despite the 170hp i3 EV also being capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds (naturally, you won't get such a big range if you utilise this…).

BMW does, impressively, also claim the full 195-mile range is available even if you use the air con or heating – "with no subjective loss of driving performance and agility". Makes you wonder what the range is if you really decided to hypermile with all the systems turned off.

BMW says the new battery is faster to charge as well: a DC rapid charge system is now standard.

The arrival of the bigger-battery i3 94Ah, which will cost £27,830 including the £4,500 government OLEV grant, may now make the i3 Range Extender alternative a little less of a must-have. Costing £30,980, BMW does, however, claim an also-extended range of 276 miles for this version, many times more than the average daily drive (and not far shy of a conventional family hatch petrol car).

The i3 Range Extender, which has a tiny 31hp motorcycle engine in the rear to extend the range by 81 miles when the batteries are flat, emits a scant 12g/km on the official cycle – that's 1g/km less than before, despite the bigger range.

Other revisions for the bigger-capacity battery i3 EV include the introduction of BMW's distinctive Protonic Blue paint, first seen on the BMW i8 PHEV supercars.

BMW has updated its interior trim packages, for more choice from the four 'world's: Loft, Lodge and Suite are joined by an Atelier interior trim 'world'.

As before, all materials are a mix of naturally treated leather, wood, wool and other renewable raw materials – so, says BMW, "the sustainable premium character of the i3 (is) both visible and tangible".

BMW also reminds us the i3 is made in factories that use 70% less energy than normal plants, which are powered by 100% wind turbine energy. The factories even use 50% less water than normal facilities.

Managing Director at @editorial_mr. Runs a bit. Loves the motor industry. http://about.me/richardaucock
Source: BMW i3 electric car range extended to 195 miles

Electric Mini Rocketman (mini Mini) Could Be On The Way From BMW

Cars

Published on May 2nd, 2016 | by Zachary Shahan

May 2nd, 2016 by Zachary Shahan 

This is a story that I'm sure will get my mom to perk up — she (like many) is a huge fan of the BMW Mini Cooper styling, which seems to bring us back to another era while still fitting in nicely with a modern life and especially the cities of today.

Once upon a time, BMW unveiled a "mini Mini" concept that it called the Rocketman. Back then (2011), it wasn't an electric concept, and it was deemed too difficult to do because getting all of the organs and veins of a gasmobile packed into such a small car (with that design and adequate interior space) was an idea that just wasn't based in reality. However, with the ongoing development and improvement of electric vehicle technology, the option is actually on the table now, and BMW is excited about it.

As a quick reminder, as well, there was a small pilot program with electrified BMW Minis, as part of BMW's ActiveE program — which was the predecessor to the BMW i program that famously launched the fun & torquey BMW i3, the hot & sporty BMW i8, and, hopefully soon, will launch the practical + spacious (but still fun & hot) BMW i5.

Anyhow, what spurred on all of this chatter?… Some recent statements by Mini product chief Ralph Mahler (coming to us via Autocar & Green Car Reports). Granted, they weren't anywhere close to definite, but they indicated that BMW is very seriously considering the option.

From Autocar:

"The Rocketman is inspiring us as of today, especially as an EV in the future," said Mahler.

"It was something that was ahead of its time but is still inspiring. With a smaller car, it's a bigger challenge. With Rocketman, and talking EV in the future, as the EV engine gets more portable, it's give and take [as to whether it is possible to make such a small car]."

In addition to the Mini Cooper, Autocar notes that the Rocketman could take design elements from the MINI Superleggera Vision, a beautiful electric roadster concept that has got to be one of my favorite car designs ever (though, yet again, I'm having a hard time getting over the fake grille now that I'm used to and loving the clean front of the Model 3 and Model X).

Highlighting the popularity of the Superleggera Vision (come on, how could that thing not be popular?!), Autocar writes:

This was a collaboration between Mini's design team and coachbuilder Touring Superleggera and previewed Mini's future design language on a two-seat, rear-wheeldrive roadster concept.

However, the concept car has proven such a hit that Mini is investigating ways of putting it into production, although it would seem unlikely at this stage.

Mahler described it as "the second concept that's inspiring us at the moment".

There had been "very positive feedback on the car," he said, but the "roadster segment is small and demand is going down, with new markets opening up. The growth is not there, so it's always a challenge".

Mahler added: "It fits perfectly into the brand, but we're a small [on sales volume] car brand and have to be focused and know what we want to have. The Superleggera is playing a role but no decisions."

I think the Rocketman is an awesome idea, especially with some more design cues from the Superleggera Vision, and I hope BMW can make it happen with a fully electric drivetrain, decent range (~150 miles), and competitive pricing. But I guess I'm just on a BMW kick today. Related stories published hours ago include:

BMW i3 Gets Up To 114 Miles Of Range In USA

Protonic Blue BMW i3 (h/t Photoshop & BMW) & Midnight Blue i3

What do you think about the electric Rocketman idea?  Get CleanTechnica's 1st (completely free) electric car report → "Electric Cars: What Early Adopters & First Followers Want." Keep up to date with all the hottest cleantech news by subscribing to our (free) cleantech newsletter, or keep an eye on sector-specific news by getting our (also free) solar energy newsletter, electric vehicle newsletter, or wind energy newsletter. 

Tags: BMW, bmw electric cars, bmw i, BMW Mini, BMW Mini Electric, BMW Mini-E, mini, mini cooper e, mini Mini, Mini Rocketman, MINI Superleggera, MINI Superleggera Vision

About the Author

Zachary Shahan is tryin' to help society help itself (and other species) one letter at a time. He spends most of his time here on CleanTechnica as its director and chief editor. Otherwise, he's probably enthusiastically fulfilling his duties as the director/editor of EV Obsession, Gas2, Solar Love, Planetsave, or Bikocity; or as president of Important Media. Zach is recognized globally as a solar energy, electric car, energy storage, and wind energy expert. If you would like him to speak at a related conference or event, connect with him via social media: ZacharyShahan.com, .

Source: Electric Mini Rocketman (mini Mini) Could Be On The Way From BMW

Can Ford compete in the long-range electric vehicle market?

Ford Motor Company recently announced that it will produce its own long-range electric vehicle (EV), potentially challenging rival automakers that have already stepped into the EV market.

Details on the new Ford model have not been released, but it would likely need to have a range of about 200 miles off of a full charge to compete with the upcoming Model 3 (Tesla Motors), the new Leaf (Nissan), and the Chevrolet Bolt (General Motors). Ford's newest model of the Focus Electric, in production since 2011, can travel up to 100 miles – up from the 75-mile range of previous years' models.

"We want to make sure that we're either among the leaders or in a leadership position," Ford chief executive officer Mark Fields said of the automaker's position in the EV market on a Thursday conference call, according to Bloomberg. "When you look at some of the competitors and what they've announced, clearly, that's something we're developing for."

Ford� ��s move comes as EVs are gaining wider acceptance than ever before, and not only for their environmental impact. Fully electric cars are marketed based on their cleaner footprint and potential for savings, but the vehicles' style and performance are now also larger factors affecting consumers' car buying decisions as concerns like shorter ranges and higher pricing wane.

"They've graduated out of the class of something that's a bit of an oddity to drive," Hyundai Group American vice president of corporate and product planning Mike O'Brien told the Associated Press in March. Hyundai has not announced plans for a fully electric model, but currently manufactures a plug-in hybrid version of its Sonata sedan that has a range of 27 miles using only its electric charge.

Ford's upcoming EV will likely fall into a similar pricing bracket as the Bolt and Model 3, which retail for $30,000 and $35,000, respectively, at base price.

"It's ironic that we're seei ng a new rush to pure EVs with a realistic driving range, even as fuel prices in the U.S. are at record lows," Kelley Blue Book editor and analyst Karl Brauer told The Detroit News. "It will be a true test of the technology, and the concept of 200 miles being a sufficient range, if consumers embrace these models in a world of sub-$3-a-gallon gasoline."

Mr. Brauer also said he believes Ford's move could force other car manufacturers' hands in entering the EV market, adding that he anticipates rivals like Hyundai, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Toyota Motor Company, and Volkswagen AG will soon make "similar announcements."

Ford in December released its five-year, $4.5-billion EV investment plan, including the addition of 13 new EVs to its product lineup by 2020. The company already produces several plug-in hybrid car models alongside the Focus Electric.

No name or further specifications for the upcoming EV have been announced, although it could be called the Mo del E; Ford previously trademarked that title and stopped Tesla's Elon Musk from naming his company's new EV that, resulting in the Model 3 designation.

Source: Can Ford compete in the long-range electric vehicle market?

For his next car, Bond might go the electric way

Being a British MI6 spy, James Bond is used to getting all of the newest and most-lethal cars, gadgets and weaponry. So the impending switch to an electric car makes complete sense.

In an interview with CNBC, Aston Martin's CEO Andy Palmer said that it's likely that the character James Bond will find himself driving an electric car in the future. Palmer also said that he believes the growth in electric car use and acceptance is "almost as inevitable as death and tax".

Palmer cited the instant-torque and incredible thrust that electric cars can deliver as some of the main benefits for the potential switch. It's no secret that Aston Martin is looking to dive deeper into the world of electric vehicles. In February, the company announced a partnership with the ever-so-elusive Faraday Future and LeEco that would be purposed around the development of EVs.

Anyway, it's a safe bet that whatever Aston Martin has up its sleeves for Bond is at least as exciting and dangerous as an ything we've seen in the past.

Aston Martin has been providing James Bond movies with cars since 1964, though with a couple minor interruptions here and there. In the last movie, Spectre, Bond drove an Aston Martin DB10, a model that was never meant for production.

Source: For his next car, Bond might go the electric way

Cactus-inspired skin to boost electric cars

Melbourne, May 1, 2016 (PTI)

 Inspired by the humble cactus, scientists have developed a new type of membrane that has the potential to significantly boost the performance of fuel cells and transform the electric vehicle industry.

In hot conditions the membrane, which features a water repellent skin, can improve the efficiency of fuel cells by a factor of four, research ers said.

According to Aaron Thornton from Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia, the skin works in a similar way to a cactus plant, which thrives by retaining water in harsh and arid environments.

"Fuel cells, like the ones used in electric vehicles, generate energy by mixing together simple gases, like hydrogen and oxygen. However, in order to maintain performance, proton exchange membrane fuel cells - or PEMFCs - need to stay constantly hydrated," Thornton said.

"At the moment this is achieved by placing the cells alongside a radiator, water reservoir and a humidifier. The downside is that when used in a vehicle, these occupy a large amount of space and consume significant power," he said.

"A cactus plant has tiny cracks, called stomatal pores, which open at night when it is cool and humid, and close during the day when the conditions are hot and arid. This helps it retain water," CSIRO researcher Cara Doherty sa id.

"This membrane works in a similar way. Water is generated by an electrochemical reaction, which is then regulated through nano-cracks within the skin. The cracks widen when exposed to humidifying conditions, and close up when it is drier.

"This means that fuel cells can remain hydrated without the need for bulky external humidifier equipment. We also found that the skin made the fuel cells up to four times as efficient in hot and dry conditions," she said.

Professor Young Moo Lee from Hanyang University, who led the research, said that this could have major implications for many industries, including the development of electric vehicles.

"At the moment, one of the main barriers to the uptake of fuel cell electric vehicles is water management and heat management in fuel cell systems. This research addresses this hurdle, bringing us a step closer to fuel cell electric vehicles being more widely available," said Lee.

"This technique could also be appli ed to other existing technologies that require hydrated membranes, including devices for water treatment and gas separation," he said.The study was published in the journal Nature.

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Source: Cactus-inspired skin to boost electric cars