The Future of Electric Cars

Everyday there are new developments around us that rushes us into the future. These technological advancements are aimed to increase our quality of life. One of these great advancements of today is the electric car. Even though the electric car is not a new idea, it has come a long way since the late 19th century. Companies have been hard at work to design new models that can be mass marketed and therefore affordable for the average person. Countries have also been hard at work to create recharging infrastructures to support mass use of electric cars. With all this headway, it will not be surprising when electric cars become a staple in the automobile industry. This may be a welcome sight to many who are eager to eliminate their dependence on oil, also the reduced greenhouse gas emissions from these vehicles is the icing on the cake. As the electric car industry grows it will become more and more affordable, although the final outcome of the electric car is yet to be seen.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Next-gen Smart Electric Drive delayed until fall of 2012

Daimler is getting ready to beef up the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive for the third-gen version, but the new EV won't be arriving on schedule, according to new reports. The problem has something to do with the lithium-ion batteries. The cells are being made by Li-Tec and a Daimler spokeswoman told Automotive News that, "There are no technical or quality problems with the batteries, but we don't want to lower our sights in safeguarding quality. That's why we're accepting a delay." Li-Tec is a joint venture between Evonic and Daimler. Another Evonic/Daimlar JV, Deutsche Accumotive, is responsible for building the packs.

Previously, Daimler had said the new Smart ED would launch in the spring of 2012, but this delay pushes that back until September. If the numbers we're hearing about the next-gen ED come to pass – 87-mile range, a bigger (30-kW) motor, 240V charging in less than 60 minutes and a pre-incentive price of $22,000 – it'll certainly be worth the wait.
News Source: Automotive News - sub. req. via Green Car Reports


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