Auto-Tech HQ

Subara Stella EV is going on sale in Japan this summer.  Subaru has already started the production of 170 Stella EVs just recently.

We are all eagerly awaiting to test Stella, but Inside Line has already had the chance to test one this week.  Stella carries a hefty price tag of $47,900, but drops down to $29,000 after the government subsidies.

Subaru has a fairly small battery of only 9.2 kWh which should last about 55 miles.  The interior of the car is small as it was expected to be.  Acceleration of the car 0 to 40 mph comes in at just four seconds, and the top speed is limited to 60 mph, due to possible problem with batteries overheating.  80 percent of the charge can be achieved in just 15 minutes with a high power charging station.  Edmunds concludes that the cost and range remain a problem to justify getting one.

Although Tengzhong’s purchase of GMs HUMMER division is still being finilised and will not be coplete till October of this year, Yang Yi, the firm’s general manager already thinking in to the green future.  The plans are to produce much more economical, efficient and environmentally-friendly HUMMER.

The company is planing to invest a lot in to the biofuels, hybrid and electrical research in order to achieve the very stringent government fuel efficiency requirements.

Source:  Autocar

Cars.com review the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid in the below video review.  Chevy Malibu is a midsize sedan that rivals agains cars like the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid.  Apparently, Malibu doesn’t quite match the fuel economy of its competition, but there are some advantages that Malibu has that have been pointed out in the video.

Mercedes-Benz has built an Experimental Safety Vehicle called S400 Hybrid to show the latest and greatest in Mercedes’ safety technology.

Some of the below mentioned features are braking bag and a panel under the car, which operates as an air brake and a support in case of an accident.

Here is a quick video and much more details information of all the features.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeE3HskwiFY&feature=player_embedded

Click here to read more…

Subaru parent, Fuji Heavy Industries, may be working on  new hybrid vehicle and introduce it to the masses by 2012.  They are also developing a new diesel engine that hopefully will be in production by 2011 or 2012.  This should help Subaru meet more stringent environmental standards.  This news has been confirmed by company president Ikuo Mori.  The automaker has also mentioned that it plans to use a hybrid system developed by Toyota, its biggest shareholder.  A diesel and hybrid Subaru, this could be very interesting.

 Zotye have shown off their new pure electric SUV on April 21st in Shanghai, the most interesting part however is the pricing, which will be 110,980rmb which is a slightly over $16,000USD.

 Max power is 27Nm, and can reach a top speed of 110kph and travel for a distance of 300km before needing a recharge. Zotye are also working on a fast recharge system for home use.

This is the first pure electric market ready vehicle from a Chinese manufacturer, now the only problem is that most Chinese people dont have electrical outlets near their car parking spots, but this car will be perfect for government departments and business users who can run power outlets near their car parking spots.

Source:  China Car Times

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, on April 14th has announced the successful development of a prototype of its Subaru Plug-in STELLA electric vehicle (EV), which will be introduced this summer in Japan. FHI will provide the Ministry of the Environment, Japan with fifteen units of the Plug-in STELLA Prototype for verification test which will be conducted by five prefectural and city governments.

The new prototype model improved driving performance by increasing power output from 40kW in the previous model to 47kW and further enhanced its efficiency by lightening the body weight and fine-tuning output management. In addition to the optimization and downsizing of the battery pack design, it changed the instrument panel and interior design. Specifications of a production EV model, which will be introduced this summer, are basically identical to those of this model.

For Complete Press Release Click Here