GM Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell Hydrogen Vehicle

GM Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell Hydrogen Vehicle

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Seven Auto Manufacturers Collaborate on Harmonized Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Solution

Seven Auto Manufacturers Collaborate on Harmonized Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Solution | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

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Seven Auto Manufacturers Collaborate on Harmonized Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Solution

Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen agreed to support a harmonized single-port fast charging approach for use on electric vehicles in Europe and the United States
The system is a combined charging approach that integrates all charging scenarios into one vehicle inlet/charging connector and uses identical ways for the vehicle to communicate with the charging station
The seven auto manufacturers also agreed to use HomePlug GreenPHY as the communication protocol. This approach will facilitate integration of the electric vehicle into future smart grid applications
Agreeing upon a single, harmonized DC fast charging system, we believe will help infrastructure planning, reduce vehicle complexity and improve the ownership experience for electric vehicle customers
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 12, 2011 – Recognizing the importance of a single international approach for DC fast charging, Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen have agreed on the combined charging system as an international standardized approach to charge electric vehicles (EV) in Europe and the United States.

The system is a combined charging approach integrating all charging scenarios into one vehicle inlet/charging connector and uses identical ways for the vehicle to communicate with the charging station. This allows electric vehicles from Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen can share the same fast charging stations.

The seven auto manufacturers believe the development of a common charging approach is good for customers, the industry and charging infrastructure providers. Standardization will reduce build complexity for manufacturers, accelerate the installation of common systems internationally and most importantly, improve the ownership experience for EV drivers.

The endorsement of the combined charging system was based on reviews and analysis of existing charging strategies, the ergonomics of the connector and the preferences of customers in both the United States and Europe. The harmonized approach – across both continents and all manufacturers – will provide a framework for future infrastructure planning as well as a communication protocol to assist in the integration of electric vehicles into the smart grids.

The seven auto manufacturers also agreed to use HomePlug Green Phy as the communication protocol. This approach will also facilitate integration of the electric vehicle into future smart grid applications.

Automakers point to the success of Level 1 and Level 2 (for 220V charging in the U.S.) as an example of how standardization will increase the adoption of electric vehicles and increase customer satisfaction. The harmonized electric vehicle charging solution is backward compatible with the J1772 connector standard in the U.S. Backward compatibility also has been achieved in Europe where the system is based on the IEC 62196 Type 2. The approval of the J1772 standard has given electric vehicle owners the comfort of knowing they can charge at all Level 2 charging stations. Prior to standardization an EV owner had no way of knowing if the charge port they were pulling up to was compatible with their vehicle.

# # #

FORD STATEMENT:
At Ford, we know how important it is to provide technologically innovative solutions that are convenient for our customers – its part of our One Ford vision and a key factor in our companys overall success, said Steve Biegun, Fords vice president of international government affairs. We applied the same philosophy in working with other global automakers and governments to offer one common approach on charging electric vehicles – helping speed infrastructure development, strengthen economic growth and most importantly, make charging even more convenient for our customers.

We especially appreciate the foresight of the Transatlantic Business Dialogue (TABD) and the leadership provided by the Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC), in prioritizing this project and fast-tracking the interactions among automakers, associations and governments that were instrumental in delivering a universal charging system.

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Bad bets on charging?

DOE Bet on EV Charging Technology Puts Taxpayers in Reverse | National Legal and Policy Center

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National plug in day speaches

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Get your EV towed in CA

New California Law Allows EV’s to be Towed for Not Charging – Gas 2.0

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Leviton Announces Availability of Home Charging Station for 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in

Leviton Announces Availability of Home Charging Station for 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in
Home charging station offers enhanced performance and ease-of-use with installation at an affordable price

Melville, New York, September 16, 2011 – Leviton, a leading global manufacturer of electrical wiring devices, announced today that a 16-amp, Level 2 (240V) home charging station for the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicle will be available in early October. With installation packages starting at $999, Toyota customers can purchase the charging station and arrange for home installation through a Leviton-certified electrical contractor by visiting leviton.com/Toyota or calling 1-855-5-PLUGIN.

The Level 2 (240V) home charging station from Leviton decreases the required charging time for the Toyota 2012 Prius Plug-in to approximately 1.5 hours compared to approximately 3 hours using the factory-provided 120V cord set. The charging station can be cord connected or hardwired, has a small footprint and requires a minimum amount of wall space for installation. Built off of Leviton’s existing line of Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) products, the Level 2 (240V) home charging station gives Toyota customers a reliable and easy-to-use solution when charging their Prius Plug-in.

“With the Prius Plug-in coming to market in early 2012, there is a lot of excitement around the adoption of electrified vehicles,” said Michael Mattei, Vice President and General Manager for Leviton’s Commercial and Industrial Business Unit. “The EVSE from Leviton offers Toyota customers a convenient, fast charging experience and an intuitive design, all at a very affordable price.”

“Leviton has simplified the process of ordering a home charging station and arranging installation for Toyota customers,” said Rick LoFaso, Toyota Corporate Manager, Marketing for Passenger Cars. “The Leviton product will provide Toyota customers with top of the line charging equipment along with dependable customer service and value.”

Leviton’s home charging station complies with all current industry standards, including the current National Electrical Code®. Assembled in the United States, the product has been specifically developed to meet stringent automotive quality, product development and testing.

About Leviton
Leviton is a global leader in electrical wiring devices, network and data center connectivity solutions and lighting energy management systems. Leviton was founded at the turn of the 20th century, and has grown to become a preeminent leader in the industry. Today, Leviton’s product portfolio consists of more than 25,000 devices and systems used in homes, businesses and industry. Nine out of ten homes throughout North America use products made by Leviton. Builders, electrical contractors and other industry professionals rank Leviton products #1 in brand preference. Leviton products are the smart choice for smart professionals. To request more information about Leviton’s Evr-Green portfolio, please visit http://www.evrgreeninfo.com.

About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of nearly 1,500 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers which sold more than 1.76 million vehicles in 2010. Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000 people in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com, www.lexus.com, www.scion.com or www.toyotanewsroom.com

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2012 Prius Plugin Reveled

Toyota Released the web site for the prius plugin and pricing,

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Prius Plug-in
The third member of the Prius Family, the first-ever Prius Plug-in Hybrid, combines the benefits of the third-generation Prius Liftback’s Hybrid Syndergy Drive with extended electric vehicle (EV) range, in a package that is priced more competitively than any plug-in hybrid or pure EV on the market. It will feature a new Lithium-ion battery, which supplements the superior fuel economy of the Prius with an extended electric-only driving range of up to 15 miles at a maximum speed of 62 mile-per-hour. By Toyota estimates, it will deliver an estimated 87 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) and when operating in hybrid mode will achieve an estimated 49 MPG3, providing drivers with great fuel economy without range anxiety. The Prius Plug-in also offers convenient charging times of only 2.5-3 hours using a standard 120V outlet or 1.5 hours using 240V.

The Prius Plug-in will share many of the same exterior and interior design elements as the 2012 Prius Liftback. Design features exclusive to the Plug-in include unique chrome grille and bumper trim, chrome door handles, unique 15-inch alloy wheels, blue-accented headlamps, a distinct tail lamp design, and a new Hybrid Synergy Drive Plug-in badge.

Prius Plug-in Hybrid will be available in two models, the Prius Plug-in and the Prius Plug-in Advanced. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid model comes equipped with an abundance of standard features including heated front seats, Remote Air Conditioning System (which can run either off the grid while the vehicle is plugged in or off the battery like the third-generation Prius Liftback), a charger timer, EV/ECO/POWER modes, three-door Smart Key, Display Audio with Navigation and Entune1 and an integrated backup camera, LED Daytime Running Lights, 15-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, enhanced Multi-information Display and much more.

The Prius Plug-in Advanced model adds additional standard features including Premium HDD Navigation with Entune2 and JBL® GreenEdge™, Plug-in Hybrid Applications through a user’s smartphone (Charge Management, Remote Air Conditioning System, Charging Station Map, Vehicle Finder and Eco Dashboard), Head-up Display, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, LED headlamps with auto on/off feature and integrated fog lamps, SofTex-trimmed seating, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, Safety Connect and more.

The base MSRP for the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is $32,000. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid Advanced will have an MSRP of $39,525. Both Prius Plug-in models are expected to qualify for a federal tax credit of approximately $2,5004.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid will be on sale in 14 launch states beginning this October through Toyota’s Online Order System at www.toyota.com. Vehicle deliveries begin in Spring 2012. The launch states include California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia. A national rollout is planned for 2013.

The MSRP for the 2012 Prius v and Prius Plug-in does not include the delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee of $760. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Leviton Level 2 (240V) Home Charging Stations
Leviton, an approved provider of Level 2 (240V) home charging stations, has developed a residential program exclusively tailored for Prius Plug-in customers. The program will include the following:
A one-stop solution for home charging stations, installation services for 120V and 240V applications, and dedicated support for Toyota customers;
Level 2 (240V) 16-amp and 30-amp home charging stations designed exclusively for the Prius Plug-in (UL-certified, compact design, easy-to-use, and made in the U.S.A.);
Industry-leading pricing for Level 2 (240V) with basic packages starting as low as $999;
Toyota-dedicated e-commerce web portal (leviton.com/Toyota) with product information, order tracking, and other features.
Prius Plug-in customers will be able to take advantage of Leviton’s special pricing beginning in early October.

# # #

Vehicle/Model Number
Grade
Doors
Body Style
Trans
2012 MSRP
Prius v

1243
Two
5
Mid-size
ECVT
$26,400
1245
Three
5
Mid-size
ECVT
$27,165
1249
Five
5
Mid-size
ECVT
$29,990
Prius Plug-in

1235
Plug-in
5
Mid-size
ECVT
$32,000
1239
Plug-in Advanced
5
Mid-size
ECVT
$39,525
All prices listed above do not include the Delivery, Processing, and Handling Fee (DPH).

¹EntuneTM — includes BingTM and Pandora®; real-time info including traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports and stocks. Apps available spring 2012 at no charge include iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com and OpenTable®. Access to EntuneTM services is complimentary for three years. See toyota.com/entune for details.

²EntuneTM — includes BingTM, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable® and Pandora®; XM Data Services including NavTrafficTM, NavWeatherTM, Fuel, and Sports & Stocks; EntuneTM Plug-in Hybrid Applications include Charge Management, Remote Air Conditioning System, Charging Station Map, Vehicle Finder and Eco Dashboard. Access to EntuneTM services and Plug-in Hybrid Applications is complimentary for three years. See toyota.com/entune for details.

³Manufacturer-estimated Miles Per Gallon equivalent. Estimate includes consumption of electricity and gasoline energy in combined EV and hybrid mode. MPGe value is based on Toyota internal testing. Actual fuel economy will vary depending on driving conditions and frequency of charging. Manufacturer-estimated city/highway/combined Miles Per Gallon, actual mileage will vary.

4While the federal government has yet to certify the Prius Plug-in for the incentive, purchasers of a Prius Plug-in vehicle may be able to take advantage of a Federal tax credit estimated to be approximately $2,500.

Contact(s):
Toyota Division Communications
Greg Thome (310) 468-3279 or greg_thome@toyota.com
Sam Butto (310) 468-7728 or sam_butto@toyota.com

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Ford & SunPower Partner for the Drive Green for Life Program


Here Comes the Sun: Ford and SunPower Team up to Let Focus Electric Customers ‘Drive Green for Life’

Ford and SunPower team up to provide a high-efficiency rooftop solar system that will provide Focus Electric owners enough renewable energy production to offset the energy used for charging.
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Ford and SunPower team up to provide a high-efficiency rooftop solar system that will provide Focus Electric owners enough renewable energy production to offset the energy used for charging.
The 2.5 kilowatt SunPower system will produce an estimated 3,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. SunPower systems are backed by a 25-year warranty.
Ford’s aggressive electrification strategy includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013. The new Focus Electric is a zero-emissions, gasoline-free version of Ford’s popular global Focus model.
Dearborn, Mich., Aug. 10, 2011 – Ford and SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWRA, SPWRB) have teamed up to offer customers a rooftop solar system that will allow Focus Electric owners to “Drive Green for Life” by providing customers with enough clean, renewable energy to offset the electricity used to charge the vehicle.

“Under the ‘Drive Green for Life’ program, Focus Electric owners can reduce their total cost of ownership by generating enough energy from their high efficiency SunPower rooftop solar system to offset the electricity required to charge the vehicle at night,” said Mike Tinskey, Ford director of Global Vehicle Electrification and Infrastructure. “It’s an eco-friendly solution that perfectly complements our plug-in products and other green initiatives.”

“SunPower’s innovative partnership with Ford is a win-win for customers, providing a comprehensive sustainability program,” said Tom Werner, SunPower president and CEO. “By taking advantage of this program, Focus Electric customers can receive the added benefit of installing a SunPower solar system, the highest-efficiency, most reliable on the market today, generating the electricity needed to charge their vehicles.”

The 2.5 kilowatt rooftop solar system is comprised of the SunPower® E18 Series solar panels that produce an average of 3,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. These high-efficiency solar panels generate approximately 50 percent more electricity than conventional panels and utilize a smaller footprint on the roof. The system was sized to accommodate a customer who drives about 1,000 miles per month.

The complete SunPower solar system is offered at a base price of less than $10,000*, after federal tax credits. Local and state rebates, along with other incentives, may drive the system cost down even more, depending on a customer’s location. Included in the purchase is a residential monitoring system, which includes the ability to track the performance of their solar system on the web or through an iPhone application. Affordable financing options for the solar system are available through SunPower. This price point does not include local sales tax.

Interested Focus Electric customers will be contacted by a participating SunPower dealer who will visit their home to begin the installation process. SunPower leads the industry with more than 400 dealers in the U.S., and can support the initial Focus Electric roll out in all 19 markets.

In addition to the Focus Electric, the SunPower rooftop solar system will be compatible with the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle Ford is rolling out in 2012.

Two Complementary Charging Solutions for Focus Electric Owners
By partnering with SunPower, Ford now offers Focus Electric owners two complementary charging solutions to make the overall experience of owning an electric vehicle easier. In January, Ford announced an agreement with consumer electronics leader Best Buy to offer a 240-volt home charging station for the Focus Electric and future electric vehicle owners.

“The goal of working with both SunPower and Best Buy was to offer Focus Electric owners solutions to charging needs that help lower the vehicle’s overall cost of ownership,” said Tinskey.

The Power of Choice
Electrification is an important piece of Ford’s overall product sustainability strategy, which includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and in Europe by 2013. Ford launched the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van in 2010 and will launch the all-new Focus Electric later this year. In 2012, these models will be joined in North America by the new C-MAX Hybrid, a second next-generation lithium-ion battery hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid. This diverse range of electrified vehicles allows Ford to meet a variety of consumer driving needs.

*This offer assumes normal installation conditions, not including modifications to a roof, electrical service panel or excessive wire requirements.

# # #

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

About SunPower
SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWRA, SPWRB) designs, manufactures and delivers the highest efficiency, highest reliability solar panels and systems available today. Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on the company’s quarter century of experience and guaranteed performance to provide maximum return on investment throughout the life of the solar system. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. For more information, visit www.sunpowercorp.com.

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Ford Focus Electric – Test Drive Video

The Raleigh Telegram test drives the new upcoming Ford Focus Electric.

Nice

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2012 Chevy volts hitting the dealers

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