There is no question that early adopters will struggle to find charging stations in the coming years. Until there is a charging network for electric cars, the demand for the vehicles will remain low at best. What should come first, the charging stations or the electric car consumers?

The city of London is taking action by attempting to include charging station policy that would require developments, both commercial and residential to include charging stations once the density of population breaks a pre-defined threshold. The city has also committed to public charging station networks to be matched by private investors and the national government.

In a recent panel hosted by ThinkLondon, the topic of conversation was an electric charging network that would be built as a open source model. In a conversation with one of the attendees, BusinessWeek quoted London’s climate change program chief, Padmesh Shukla with the following:  ”Using the open platform model, the idea is to help foster development of common standards, tools, and practices for charge point developers, ensuring that all charging stations can operate with all electric models and generally create an environment in which electric car companies can prosper.” 

Back home in the U.S., San Diego based company San Diego Gas and Electric is attempting an open-source model as well. According to BusinessWeek, San Diego Gas and Electric is working with the Renault-Nissan Alliance and multiple charging companies on ways to innovate a charging network that integrate with San Diego Gas and Electric’s grid.

It’s good to see that large cities like San Diego and London are attempting to build the infrastructure necessary to boost and retain demand for electric cars.

2010 Toyota Prius 3rd gen

According to Green Car Advisor, Toyota will be increasing production upon receiving news of achieving their Japan forecast of 100,000 units. The original forecast, which was stated at 100,000, was met two-weeks after launch. 80,000 units were pre-ordered, while another 20,000 were sold. The monthly guidance for the Prius in Japan was set at 10,000 per month. To support the demand and protect allocation around the globe, especially in North America and Europe, Toyota will boost production hours at the Prius plants of Fujimatsu and Tsutsumi.

I think it is safe to assume that the third-generation Prius has been a hit thus far in Japan.

However, it is important to note that sales are up due to tax incentives which have been granted by the Japanese government. In addition, It is reported that parliament is delivering cash-back incentives for trading cars that are over thirteen years or older.

The new Prius is about to release in North America, so it will be interesting to see how the sales move at home and abroad.

Stick around.

Chrysler needs $448 million, and they just might get it.

Today, U.S. automaker Chrysler LLC submitted proposals nearing $448 million to the U.S. Department of Energy for research and development of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Today, U.S. automaker Chrysler LLC submitted proposals nearing $448 million to the U.S. Department of Energy for research and development of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Good timing, huh? Operating in bankruptcy since April 30th, it seems rather convenient for Chrysler to propose this agreement on the eve of a judges ruling to the sell of assets to a U.S. and Canadian owned company. Chrysler, it’s partners, and the Department of Energy, would pay $224 million each upon approval of the proposals If approved, the proposal would include an investment of close to 83 million to build a technology and manufacturing center in Michigan to assist in the development of the new technologies and vehicles. It is reported that the complex should be up and running by 2010 and produce more than 20,000 vehicles a year, Chrysler said.

Fiat Bugster to be Unveiled at 2008 Brazil Auto Show. Click the above image to view the gallery with larger images.

I don’t know about you, but any time I hear about an all electric off-road vehicle, I get a little excited.  I live in Tucson, AZ where you see a LOT of off-road vehicles out and about, I can rarely go driving without seeing at least one or two.  So it goes without saying, this year we will be watching the 25th Salão Internacional do Automóvel in Brazil for the unveiling of this little-known vehicle. The event will run from the 30th of October through the 10th of November.  Look’s like Optimus Prime may have a new recruit.  The Fiat Bugster is powered by an all electric engine, with the exterior body made of molded natural fibers. And man does it look aggressive.

Although it may seem odd that Fiat is unveiling this in Brazil, this ethanol powerhouse is Fiat’s largest market outside of Italy, and production facilities produce 30% of all Fiats.  Details about the vehicle are still mostly unkown, but it is expected to feature Fiat’s Locker Series components. Although the consensus is that the vehicle is a little too aggressive for mass production, more electric vehicles in concept statistically means more electric vehicles produced.  We encourage world-wide research and development, even if its as far south as Brazil.

GM Chooses LG Chem and Compact Power to Produce Volt Battery Packs

According to a Reuters, sources close to the deal have reported that GM has chosen LG Chem and Troy, Michigan based Compact Power to produce the lithium-ion batter packs for the Chevrolet Volt.  Seems they are still in talks regarding the details, like warranty costs, but this still seems pretty legitimate.  The actual deal will not be reported until November, and it seems as if all companies involved are conveniently declining to comment.

The anonymous sources also had indicated that the CPI batteries were being used in most of the Volt tests, and seemed to be running fairly perfectly.  A GM spokesman let Reuters know there was no official decision yet, although a a spokesman for LG Chem said:

“We were informed that the results are due in November, but we didn’t get any official answer from GM yet. We hope for and expect a good result.”

We will keep you informed of any new developments.

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.