GEM Peapod Electric Car, or Alien Head? Click the above image to view the Peapod image gallery.

So apparently, Chrysler’s own GEM is going to be mass-producing the GEM Peapod for worldwide distribution, around 2010. Before I start, let me preface with the minor detail that Autocar.co.uk, (the source for this post, and in the above link) did not source this information,  we will do our best to scour the internet to find whom from Chrysler actually said this.

This proposed EV will have a 40 mile range, and for most city-drivers that seems plenty.  It will also be electronically limited to 25 mph. So, who drives 40 miles going 25 mph anyways? Supposedly, it will be available for purchase sometime in 2010, as a one-seater, two-seater and utility van.

Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) has been developing neighborhood electric vehicles (or NEVs) for some time now, with over 38,000 units currently in use, and over 150 current dealers.   The Peapod will be produced in existing factories.

BMW's Mini-E All Electric Mini Worldwide Photo Debut. Click the above image to view more Mini-E pictures.

For some time now, many have been salivating at the inevitable possibility of an electric Mini, well BMW decided to give a small taste.  This should satisfy most (for the time being.)  UK auto website, Autocar.co.uk, got first dibs on details and photos galore on BMW’s Mini-E.

Not only is the Mini-E expected to have a range of up to 150 miles, on just 8-hours of charging, but it could have as much as 204bhp and 162lbs of torque.  Unfortunately, the Mini-E isn’t going mainstream just yet.  Although we may be seeing it in the U.S. as early as next year, only 500-1000 customers will have the opportunity to lease this vehicle.  Pre-selected customers in New York, L.A., New Jersey (humm?) and London will get first crack at these beauties due to their available electric infrastructure.

Of course, the Mini-E will be powered using the latest technology in Lithium-ion battery packs (totaling 573 lbs.)  The batteries push the single-stage helical gearbox, that are mounted conveniently where passengers used to be able to sit.  To add a little more juice, Mini decided to store kinetic energy used while breaking.    The plug-in is conveniently located where the gas cap used to be.

Curb weight starts at a mere 3229 lbs, and is fully equipped with interchange-yellow mirrors as evident in the photos.  Supposedly, there will be many other goodies to come so thats seperate from her siblings.  The Mini-E is already U.S. legal, and has been put through the ringer with crash testing.

Overall, we have to say we are proud of BMW, and Mini for taking a step forward and giving all-electric a try.

“This step will allow the BMW Group to gain an initial knowledge of how mobility can be achieved efficiently using purely electrically powered vehicles. Our task here is to combine the ultimate driving experience with an efficient electrified drive with practically no emissions”, underlined Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

Click the above image to view the Tesla image gallery

Well, as they say “another one bites the dust.” I can hear the classic Queen song in my head as I begin writing the obituary of the former CEO, Ze’ev Drori.  In my mind, it seems like yesterday we were mourning the passing of CEO, Martin Eberhard.  I feel bad for the next poor bastard that steps up for the challenge. In the meantime,  Chairman Elon Musk will take over duties as the acting CEO.  In everyone’s mind, it seemed like Ze’ev Drori was going to be a good fit with Tesla Motors, but it seems “Extraordinary times require focus,” stated Elon Musk in his latest blog post.

“For this critical phase of the company, the scope of my role at Tesla will expand from executive chairman and product architect to CEO. With SpaceX now having reached orbit and about to enter it’s third year of profitability, I can afford to increase time allocated to Tesla.  Ze’ev Drori, who has made extraordinary progress with the company over the last year as CEO, will stay on the board of directors as vice-chairman and continue to help make the right decisions. It has been and will continue to be a pleasure and an honor working with Ze’ev.”

I guess he is referring to the tough economic times which are forcing young companies, like Tesla Motors, to tighten the belt.  Or maybe Tesla got too big for their britches? Either way, as John McCain would say “Change is Coming.” We’ll all just have to sit tight and wait for Tesla Motor’s next big reveal, the Model S sedan.

Luxgen EV Design Prototype

You may ask yourself two questions: Who is AC Propulsion  and who is Yulon?  Furthermore, why should I care about a deal between these two companies?.  Well, AC Propulsion is a California based company that has been a leader in developing elecric vehicle drive systems.  They introduced the first AC-150, 150 kW (200 hp) integrated drive system in 1994. The AC-150 has been used in a variety of applications, such as a biodiesel hybrid. They are also a leader in Vehicle to grid or V2G systems with their second generation AC-150 drivetrain offering a bidirectional grid power connection. In addition to building components and providing technology for EVs, AC Propulsion also now offers their own electric vehicle called the Ebox, a conversion of a Toyota Scion for about $55K.  As an interested reader about EV developments and technology, you have probably heard of the Tesla Roadster.  AC Propulsion licensed its technology to Tesla Motors in 2004 for the development of this awesome EV.

Yulon on the other hand, builds cars for Nissan Motor Co. in China and the Phillipines, builds cars for Mitsubishi motors in China and designs and builds a variety of autmotive parts and components in China and Taiwan. The bottom line is they are a huge, well funded company.

Yulon intends to use AC Propulsion technolgy to develop their own line of EVs under the Luxgen brand name.

Presidential Seal

Well, here we are coming down the home stretch of one of the most important elections of our life time. The everyday American is milling through the details of policies, debates, commercials, mud-slinging and everything in between.  With four weeks left in the election, all of us are searching for our personal “tipping point.” What will be your “tipping point?” In an effort to confuse matters even more, we the people of DrivePwr thought we would post some he-said-she-said of hybrid vehicle political landscape. Don’t worry we’ll keep it simple. We’ll give you a little of the “Straight Talking Express” and the “Change We Need” platforms.

First, let’s level the playing field by saying that both candidates are interested and committed to putting more hybrids on American roads.

McCain

Although McCain’s plan is not as thorough as Obama’s, McCain’s idea is ambitious and focuses on the everyday American to fulfill the void. McCain’s platform is really quite simple, he has called for a $300 million prize to the whoever can create a more efficient, scalable battery that will “leapfrog” the capabilities of the current hybrid and electric vehicles. “$1 for every man, woman and child in the U.S. — a small price to pay for helping to break the back of our oil dependency.” Who knows if the Manhattan Project type would really work, but a $300 million prize could spark some serious interest.

Obama

Did you know Obama’s friends use to call him Barry? Well, if not, now you know. I hope you don’t mind me referring to him as “Barry.” So, Barry’s plan includes an equally ambitious, maybe idealistic, plan to get hybrids on the road. First, according to Barry’s website, he wants to replace all White House vehicles with plug-in hybrids. So, watch out, we could have our first presidential EV convoy.  After he successfully converts the White House, Barry plans to set a mandate for half of all government vehicles purchased annually are plug-ins, all in the next four years.  Overall, Barry has a fairly robust energy plan that includes over $150 billion through 10 years to push his energy platforms and successfully put a million plug-in hybrids on the roads in seven years.  In addition to the 10 year plan, Barry plans to offer a $7,000 tax credit to enhance the purchase of plug-ins.  Finally, $4 billion in “retooling tax credits” for those who manufacture the vehicles to support the vehicles on the road and in repair.

Wow, so there you have it. A brief overview of from two candidates, both seeking presidential election.  I’m sure there more serious issues to hang your hat on, but we thought we would stay relevant and timely as we approach the next great election.