Takayanagi Miluira: A Retro-Styled, Pocket EV from Japan

In a world where “grown-up” EVs like the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt are all about numbers and specs, the little open-top Takayanagi Miluira from Japan doesn’t take itself very seriously. Featuring a design that resembles cars from the early 1900s, it measures just 2.18 meters (85.8 inches) in length and can only accommodate the driver.

The interior follows the vintage styling theme of the exterior, though we’re not sure if the material covering the steering column is real wood or plastic, but, in any case, it’s too “loud” as far as color and texture goes.

According to the manufacturer's website, the Miluira has a range of 35 km (22 miles) and can reach a top speed of 60 km/h or 37 mph. Both figures attest that the little EV could be used for short commutes, as long as the weather has no objections.

When the Miluira hits the market in 2011, it will be priced from 6.3 million yen or about $74.768. See, we told you that this car really isn't very serious... Even so, the Japanese EV is quite eye-catching and we wouldn’t mind taking one for a spin.

By Csaba Daradics

Source Takayanagi , Via: Treehugger

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Brabus Plugs into the Tesla Roadster with New Sport Green Package

In an effort to provide added value to its customers, Brabus’ Zero Emission division joined forces with German electricity company RWE and created the Green Package for the Tesla Roadster. Along with a host of exterior and interior upgrades, the 'green' package includes a quick charging station for the owner’s garage and 30,000 kilometers (18,641 miles) worth of electric power from RWE. And there’s more; with every purchase, buyers also receive a one-year pass for free use of all public RWE charging stations.

Compared to your standard household power outlet, the quick charging station gets the job done three times faster. That means the Tesla Roadster can be fully charged in less than six hours for an operating range of some 350 km (220 miles).

Being that Brabus is a tuning firm, the company also spiced up the EV. Starting with the exterior, the Germans added a carbon fiber lip to the front bumper and incorporated LED daytime running lights into the front grille. At the rear we can find a discrete carbon fiber wing and diffuser.

The body can be painted in any color while the car rides on 18-inch front and 19-inch rear Monoblock S alloys, shod in 215/35 front and 255/30 rear tires. The alloys are finished in black and have a subtle outline matched to the exterior color.

As with its previous Tesla offerings, Brabus adds a sound generator, which replicates the grunt “of a typical V8, a racecar or two futuristic soundscapes”, according to the company.

The interior can be specified in a combination of perforated leather and Alcantara, but other options are also available, such as scuff plates with illuminated Brabus logos and even a leather-covered floor.

By Csaba Daradics

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All-Electric Smart Fortwo Joins Hertz Fleet

Mainstream American consumers may not be willing to cough up tens of thousands of dollars to buy new electric vehicles just yet, but they may be tempted to rent one. The Hertz Corp. and Smart USA today announced a joint partnership to bring the all-electric version of the Fortwo mini to Connect by Hertz car sharing and Hertz Rent A Car locations in New York, Washington, DC, and San Francisco.

The Smart Fortwo electric drive will be available in New York City starting December 15 through Hertz's car sharing program. San Fransisco and Washington DC will follow shortly after, with more cities to be added later next year. The rental fleet of Smart EV's are part of the Hertz Global EV program that will offer a variety of 100 percent electric and plug-in hybrids, including the Chevy Volt and Mitsubishi i-MiEV, to car sharing and rental customers around the world

Smart's EV is powered by a 30 kW drive magneto-electric motor and 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. According to Smart, when plugged into a 220V outlet, it takes approximately three and a half hours to charge the battery from 20 to 80 percent of its capacity and less than eight hours to fully charge it. It is estimated that the Fortwo has a driving range of around 80 miles (130 km).

The Daimler-owned company plans to employ a fleet of 2011 Fortwo electric drive vehicles across the United States, targeting early adopters of electric drive technology before series production begins in 2012 and the car goes on sale through Smart USA's dealer network.

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Nissan Leaf Debuts in Japan, Prices Start at 3mill Yen or $35k

With the 2011 Car of the Year Award secured, Nissan is rolling out the Leaf EV starting from Japan. The zero-emission electric hatch will go on sale in Japan on December 20th, followed shortly after by the U.S., while European customers will have to wait until later in 2011.

The base price in Japan has been set at 3,764,250 yen (US $45,000 at today’s exchange rates), with the consumption tax included. That’s a lot of money, but, fortunately for the Japanese, the EV is eligible for a 780,000-Yen government incentive, which brings down the cost to 2,984,250 yen or US $35,677.

It’s also fully exempt from the country's automobile acquisition tax and weight tax until fiscal year 2011. And that’s not all: as an EV that complies with the “Automobile Green Tax Scheme”, the Leaf’s automobile tax is reduced by 50% for a period of 12 months.

Nissan prepared a few convenient after-sales services as well. For a monthly rate of 1,500 yen (US $18), the company offers a “zero-emission support program”, which includes, among other things, maintenance, charging at Nissan dealers, discounts for Nissan rent-a-car services and emergency support.

Dealers can also provide a “one-stop service” simplifying the purchasing process and the preparation of a charging environment at the client’s residence.

Nissan says that, thanks to its 2,200-strong dealer network, there’s at least one quick-charge unit available within a 40-kilometer (25-mile) radius throughout the country. With a minimum range that’s at least four times that, the Leaf can be used as any other car, including for cross-country trips.

By Csaba Daradics

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