Motoczysz releases pics of E1pc electric superbike, complete with iPhone gauges!

Motoczysz E1pc -

Finally, speculation on the appearance of the Motoczysz E1pc can end as the fledgling American motorcycle maker has released official pictures of the machine that will take on the rest of the field at the upcoming TTXGP zero-emission eGrandPrix motorcycle race at the Isle of Man. Things are shaping up largely as we expected, with the E1pc sharing its basic layout and look - including the innovative front suspension design - with Michael Czysz's earlier race bike, the C1, which never actually made it to a MotoGP race.
Such a fate appears highly unlikely for the E1pc, and Czysz is understandably excited to see one of his two-wheelers hit the track in actual competition. In a post on Motoczysz's official blog, Czysz says, "In less than 24 hours I leave to go to the biggest race of my life, not because it is the largest, not because it is the fastest but because it will be the first time a MotoCzysz motorcycle will compete in an FIM sanctioned event."
As far as we're concerned, he has a right to be proud of his team's accomplishment. Looking over the pictures of the E1pc, we can see that there are three motors (one spins backwards) and 10 battery modules that appear to be swappable in relatively easy fashion. Perhaps the geekiest (in a good way, of course) bit is the iPhone mounted directly in front of the rider, which acts as the electric bike's instrument panel. Check out the photo gallery below for more, and be sure to click past the break for a short video of the bike in action.

Underwriters Lab holdup means some MINI Es will take all day to charge

With MINI Es finally being delivered to the 450 test drivers in New York and California, a problem has cropped up that will limit the ability of many of those people to actually use the car. When MINI USA was taking applications for leases on the new EV, among the requirements were a garage with 220V electrical service. This was necessary in order to be able to charge the 35 kWh battery in four hours. When the car is delivered, MINI sends along an electrician to install a special wall box for charging.
The problem is the non-standard charging cable. In many of the areas where the cars are being distributed, local building codes require Underwriters Laboratories approved electrical hardware. Approval is still pending from UL on the 220V charging cable so it can't yet be distributed in those areas. The cars are all being delivered this month but roughly 300 of the recipients will have to charge from 110V wall sockets until they get UL-approved cables. That means a full charge will take about 23 hours. MINI USA spokeswoman Nathalie Bauters told USA Today that the company expects to have UL approval for the cable and have them all distributed by the end of July.

Tata confirms Nano U.S.-bound in around two years

Tato Nano Europa

Americans may have the opportunity to welcome the Tata Nano to their shores in just over two years, according to a confirmation from David Good, a U.S. rep for the Indian automaker. Before it arrives, Tata assures that the ultra-cheap compact with a base price of just $2500 will be configured to meet all emission and crash standards. If successful, we could see see versions of the Indian microcars running on biofuel and diesel.
But who will distribute the teensy Tatas? Well, that's up in the air right now. A brand-new dealer network for the brand has been discussed. Another option would be selling the Nano through Jaguar and Land Rover dealerships -- the Indian automaker owns both, after all. That long shot was quickly dismissed by Stuart Schorr, a spokesman for Jaguar Land Rover, before the repercussions could sink in.

Top Gear destroy Mitsubishi EVO, Tata plans to bring Nano to the U.S. in 2 years

It’s finally Friday and as we take a break from speeding around in our press vehicle of the week, the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP, we’re taking some time out to bring you a few random findings from the egmCarTech editor’s desk (or the egmCarTech’s table at the local Starbucks if you will).

Top Gear destroys a Mitsubishi EVO with the British Army: We’re pretty excited to see what Top Gear has in store for season 13 and it seems like Clarkson is up to no good again. This time, Clarkson teamed up with the British Army to destroy a Mitsubishi EVO. While our feelings are hurt, we can’t wait to see the reasoning behind this one. - Mitsubishi Lancer Register (via AutoBlog)

Tata plans on bringing the Nano to the United States: Earlier this year, Tata finally unveiled the production version of the much anticipated $1,983 Tata Nano. At that time, CEO Ratan Tata told us that the Nano has to meet “rear-crash tests” in the U.S. for which ”redesigning is necessary, and will take 3 years.” Well, it seems like Tata is making progress. Europe will get their Nano in 2011 and we’re now scheduled to get it in about 2 years. Note: Please give the 37-hp Nano drivers some time to take off from the red-light when they come to the United State. - AutoWeek

Bill Clinton says Brazil must save forests in its ethanol push: Former U.S. President Bill Clinton said that the world is well aware of the benefits of using ethanol as a fuel source, such as 90 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emission when compared to gasoline. However, Clinton says that Brazil should worry about ranchers and farms from cutting further into forests before it starts exporting large amounts of ethanol. - Reuters

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Loves Lower Case “i”s, On Sale In Japan Soon

Cute, but $50k cute?

Mitsubishi’s innovative i-MiEV electric city car will go on sale this year in Japan, despite having an eye-watering price tag approaching $50,000 (dollars, not yen! 50,000 yen probably wouldn’t buy chewing gum). The little guy incorporates Mitsubishi’s MiEV system (did the name tip you off?), but confusingly, drops the in-wheel electric motors usually employed in MiEV cars in favor of a traditional battery array and single electric motor. More details inside.

This gasoline version provides the basis for the EV.

With a 100 mile claimed range, and a quick-charge capability that brings the vehicle to 80% charge in around 30 minutes, the i-MiEV has a lot of potential for the densely populated urban areas of Japan. Kei cars do enormously well in Japan, and the gasoline “i” on which this EV is based is classified as a kei-car there. The motor puts out the equivalent of 63 HP and 132 ft-lbs of torque, which is suitable to move the small but heavy (2500 lbs) i-MiEV around urban environments confidently (as long as you’re not in a huge hurry). It’s intended for worldwide sale in 2010, and apparently Mitsubishi will be testing the car in Oregon to determine if it’s suitable for US consumption.

[Source: Autopia]

Production Mitsubishi i-MiEV unveiled, sales begin in April 2010

In a very lengthy press release on World Environment Day (which we talked about yesterday), Mitsubishi finally unveiled the production version of its four-seater i MiEV electric-vehicle. The i MiEV will go on sale in Japan in late July of 2009 with a monthly lease process much like the Mini E Cooper. Starting April 2010, Mitsubishi will begin the official sales process to individuals and will start take orders in July.

So let’s get down the technical part of the i MiEV. The new mass-produced Mitsubishi electric-car is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, which is comprised of 88 lithium-ion cells that are installed under the floor in the center of the vehicle. That in turn powers an electric-motor that allows for 67-hp with a peak torque of 133 lb-ft.

How long does it take charge? Mitsubishi says that the i MiEV uses a 3-way charging system, which allows the battery to be charged at home or when out on the road. For normal charging the i MiEV can be charged from a standard 100-volt outlet which takes about 14-hours to reach full charge; a 200-volt outlet will take approximately 7-hours to reach full charge. The i MiEV can also be charged at quick-charging stations that are currently being established in Japan. At the quick-charge stations, the i MiEV can reach 80 percent full charge in 30 minutes. Once completely charged, Mitsubishi says that the i MiEV will provide a traveling range of 99 miles.

Mitsubishi said that it hopes to sell 1,400 units of the i MiEV in Japan in fiscal year 2009. Pricing starts ¥ 4,380,000 - or $44,714 (with Japanese tax credits). We’ll get more details on the sale of the i MiEV in other regions shortly after its Japanese launch

Fiat 500 to get more than 40 mpg in the U.S., Fiat engineers and execs in Detroit setting up launch

We already know that the Fiat 500 will be the only Fiat badged model that will be sold at Chrysler dealerships when Chrysler is officially handed over the Italian automaker. According to people familiar with the plan, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has been leading a team of several dozen engineers and executives in finalizing plans to cut costs on purchasing parts and to pave the way for the introduction of the 500 minicar to the U.S. market.

The Fiat 500 will make it to the U.S. showrooms by the end of 2010 - so if you’re looking for a reliable, good looking, fuel-efficient compact car, just wait because the 500 is expected to get more than 40 mpg as measure by the U.S. regulatory standards.

The group of engineers and executives are working hard to get the compact hatch ready to meet U.S. safety standards.

At the 2009 New York Auto Show in April, Chrysler’s vice chairman Jim press was heavily promoting the 500 by driving one onto the stage.

 

Source: Reuters