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.

Toyota Yaris is #1 at MPG Marathon!

Toyota took top honors at the 2008 ALD Fleet World MGP Marathon, a 2-day, 400 mile cross-Britain test of fuel efficiency.  The Yaris diesel won with an impressive 84.66 MPG while the Aygo averaged 82.39 MPG to finish as the top gasonline combustion entrant. Second place in the overall category went to the Mazda 2 1.4 diesel at 84.58 MPG.

This is Toyota’s second year in a row finishing as best in class.  This feat is as much a testament to the engineers as it is to the two drivers, Andrew Andersz and Gary Luton.  Following is a re-print of Toyota’s press release. [click to continue…]

Toyota iQ coming to the UK in January

The highly anticipated Toyota iQ is coming to the UK in January, and for a price of only a mere £9,495 it can be yours.  If you haven’t put your name on the list yet, you may not be able to.  Rumor has it, the list is long and it could take Toyota some time to fill these orders.  Maybe its because the iQ boasts a solid 65.7 mpg, and is loaded with many standard safety and luxury features that you would not expect for such a bargain.

The iQ comes in two different trims, the iQ for the price listed above, and the iQ2 with a multidrive CVT transmission.  Each iQ comes with 15-inch alloy rims, heated electrically adjustable mirrors, air conditioning and a six speaker audio system with an auxillary socket.  The iQ2 will be fitted with high-gloss alloys, front fog lamps, automatic headlights and rain sensing wipers.  Oh, did we mention it had a smart entry and start system WITH climate control?  Like I said earlier, its equipped with many standard safety features like ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Control, and Traction Control. Nine airbags, including a rear window airbag (really.)

If you order before March 1st, 2009 it will come with a free metallic paint upgrade.

Other options include £700 leather seats and £950 for satellite navigation.   It’s too bad we may not see the iQ in the U.S. for sometime.