Tesla and Toyota Working Together!

In case you have never heard of Tesla, they are a California based company that is famous for producing incredibly expensive electric roadsters.  While these vehicles are more performance oriented than most of the line up at San Jose Honda, the Japanese based auto brand has higher sales profits because of name association and familiarity that Tesla has not established for themselves yet.  The latest news in the green auto world is the plan for Toyota and Tesla to team up and make an electric version of their RAV4; you can probably find a used one over at Birmingham Honda.  We are already seeing the mainstream release of electric vehicles from brands like Chevrolet and New York Nissan, but the RAV4 will be the first viable electric SUV in mass production.

The current RAV4 offers drivers some of the best gas mileage in the small SUV class, but the electric version will be expected to travel up to 100 miles of real-world driving in between charges.  Tesla and Toyota are engaging in a trade of sorts to help make an electric RAV4 a reality.  The goal for mass production is 2012, and that will also be the same time that the Toyota RAV4 receives a makeover and enters its next generation design.  First off, though, Tesla has to produce a fleet of prototypes so that Toyota can make suggestions for improvement to their concept design. 

Toyota has taken a $50 million equity stake in Tesla and Tesla will in turn gain control of the NUMMI plant that Toyota had built in Fremont, California.  The plant currently is not being used, so Tesla will have no problem beginning production there.  We first saw an attempt at an electric RAV4 back in 1997, but it only lasted until 2003 with very limited sales and production.  At the 2010 L.A. Auto Show, Toyota brought a version of their electric RAV4 but the stylistic design changes were minimal.  Hopefully the design that Toyota and Tesla can agree upon features some modern improvements to the outdated interior of the current RAV4. 

2012 rav4, toyota tesla, rev4 electric

NEVs Taking Over?

If you are tired of waiting for your Volt to arrive at Chevrolet Rome, then perhaps you should consider buying one of the new NEV (neighborhood electric vehicles) that are currently available.  There are five that are being mass produced already and they are meant to drive less than 50 miles between charges.  You will not find one at Pinconning Chevrolet but their own electric vehicle should arrive on dealer lots very soon.  Not all five of the NEVs can be purchased in the United States, but they can all be repaired at Rick Ball Auto Mall Service if needed.

1.    GEM (Global Electric Motorscars) is affiliated with Chrysler and you have probably seen these vehicles around large shopping complexes or college campuses.  In addition to making passenger only models, GEM also makes three models with a truck bed that is great for landscaping companies or other utility needs.  The price is right for fleet ownership with a base price of $6,795 up to $12,495.

2.    Dynasty iT is found in British Columbia and the price is quite a bit higher, starting out at $14,000 and going up to $25,000.  Drivers have the option of a sedan, truck, convertible, or a combination of those.  The body is made from fiberglass and can obtain a full charge in only 12 hours.

3.    Miles ZX40: This line is slightly larger than most NEVs and has the ability to seat four passengers as well as 41 cubic feet of cargo room when the back seats are folded down.  The price ranges from $14,900 up to $18,900 and there is the option of upgrading to a CD player!

4.    ZENN: An abbreviation for Zero Emissions No Noise, ZENN is quite affordable with a price range of $14,700 up to $15,575.  The advanced technology uses regenerative braking to help increase the amount of charge from the simple act of braking, and this little hatchback can carry two passengers plus 13 cubic feet of cargo.

5.    Columbia ParCar: This open air vehicle can seat either two or four passengers and has the main purpose of local utility jobs.  The price ranges from $9,497 up to $23,770 but these little cars are durable and come in a variety of styles for different needs.

NEV, neighborhood electric vehicles, dynasty iT, GEM Chrysler

The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side.

Nearly every major car manufacturer has either already come out with a hybrid, or has plans to come out with one. It is said that automakers must maintain a minimum mileage of 27.5 miles per gallon in its product line. If you purchase a hybrid, it will offer you faster and larger engines in the rest of the lines. Some of the most current hybrid cars can get up to 60 miles per gallon on the highway. Along with fuel economy, it boost lower emissions and depreciation than gasoline powered cars. Some time in the future, the Hybrids are expected to get fuel mileage as high as 190 miles per gallon. You can't find that gas mileage in a Chevy from Chevrolet Malibu Dealer.

Though Hybrids and there parts tend to be a little expensive, dealerships provide warranties like free replacements of the most expensive parts. The United States Government also supports the hybrids so much in fact that they are allowing a tax write off for hybrid car ownerships. The Hybrid cars have quite a few environmental benefits and economical benefits. Hybrids like the 2011 VW Jetta of Peoria VW, produce 90 percent less pollutants than comparable non-hybrid cars, by putting less harmful chemicals in the environment. The harmful effects of pollution can be stopped or even reversed.

The Hybrid like the Toyota Camry of Toyota Deals Santa Ana, is powered by two sources. These sources are an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Hybrid cars have no use for plugs, as they are charged by movement of the wheels and strong kinetic energy that is generated through a process called regenerative braking. Environmentalist embrace hybrid cars as a solution to today's pollution problems.