Henrik Fisker abruptly left the company he co-founded six years ago in March this year, and Reuters says the investors are discussing purchase of the U.S. Department of Energy’s outstanding loan – at pennies on the dollar – along with avoiding bankruptcy by Fisker Automotive.

The Energy Department is owed $171 million and provisions could allow it to try and negotiate what amounts to damage control and selling off the debt at a loss to minimize otherwise greater loss to taxpayers.

The other group said to be thinking about doing something similar to Li and Henrik Fisker, as previously reported, includes Bob Lutz – the “L” in VL Automotive which already has a Web site with Fisker bodied, Corvette-engined cars, but without a reliable supply of the needed bodies.

Lutz and company are looking at snapping up the former 400-plus employee company at fire sale prices of $20 million, and sources said this could crest higher, and may need to, given more money is reportedly on offer by Li and his group.

Sources have agreed avoiding bankruptcy could be desirable for Fisker in maximizing what value it can return to investors.

Henrik Fisker has reportedly been communicating with potential investors to get in on a deal to revive his former company. What role the talented designer who has also penned Aston Martins and BMWs remains unclear.

The group he’s said to be involved with led by Li has reportedly bid on the outstanding Energy Department loan for a sum in the range of $25 million to $30 million.

While higher than what the group Lutz had initially offered, it amounts to 17.5 cents on the dollar back to U.S. taxpayers.

Anything could happen, however, and inquiries to Fisker Automotive, and others involved have gone unanswered.

Automotive News

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This was the average returned by 42 auto journalists who sampled the car on a 28.7 km (17.4 mile) test loop that included 6.5 km (4 miles) city and 13 km (8 miles) Autobahn driving. One journalist managed to squeak out 84 mpg (2.8 l/100 km).

The average speed was 54 kph (34 mph) and the top speed attained among the various drivers was 230 kph (143 mph). The New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) calls for a paltry 20.5 mph (33 kph) average speed. Sso while the journalists did not make the typically optimistic number, they did put the car through somewhat more demanding usage, albeit still pretty slow in all.

No doubt if a driver tapped more fully into the E-Hybrid’s speed potential, its average mpg would diminish significantly, but the electric assist shows what is possible with reasonably careful driving.

The vehicle is European rated at 75.9 mpg (3.1 l/100 km), and the actual 54 mpg (4.4 l/100 km) average resulted after traveling a total of 1,200 kilometers (746 miles) was traveled on the sample test course.

Porsche’s Web site shows the plug-in hybrid starts at $99,975 including destination.

The 416 system horsepower and 435 pounds-feet maximum torque are delivered via a 333-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 and a 95-horsepower electric motor. As is typical for hybrids, the system power is less than the combined total of the electric and gas sources as they each peak at different operating ranges.

The E-Hybrid’s zero-emissions range is estimated at 18-36 km (11-22 miles), and this car is a forerunner of more hybrids to come.

Porsche recently divulged it will make a hybrid version of every one of its models, even the more sporting ones right on up to the 918 Spyder which will be launched on 9/18/13, and 918 of these are to be produced.

Autoguide

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“In the space of 15 years, we’ve also achieved major progress in the area of ultra-lightweight design,” stresses Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Audi’s LMP sports cars have continually become lighter, stiffer, safer in crashes and more efficient. There is hardly another motorsport discipline in which the creativity of the engineers is rewarded as highly as it is with the Le Mans prototypes. Whether in terms of engineering design details or materials: many of the ultra-lightweight ideas from motorsport have the potential of positively influencing the development of Audi’s production models. Reducing the weight of the cars is the key to our successful future – in motorsport and in production.”

Starting with its first LMP sports car – the 1999 R8R – Audi used a carbon fibre monocoque.

As explained by Audi in the following paragraphs, the company has been working on reducing weight to this day:

• As the central chassis component, the monocoque supports the front axle, the front and lateral body parts and, since 2012, the hybrid system. The engine is directly connected to the rear. The monocoque thus transmits the torsional and bending forces which are introduced through the wheel suspensions, and absorbs the impact energies that are generated in accidents – in frontal or side crashes as well as in roll-overs.
• The Audi R8R (1999), the R8 (2000-2005), the R10 TDI (2006-2008) and the R15 TDI (2009-2010) all had open monocoques. For the R18 TDI (2011), Audi used a closed cell for the first time. Its one-piece design is a trend-setter for safety and weight. Up to then, the closed monocoques of competitors, for manufacturing reasons, had been made up of several elements.
• Although a closed cockpit requires the use of more material Audi has managed to cut the weight of the monocoque in half between 1999 and today, while surpassing all the safety and crash requirements of the FIA. Furthermore, Audi managed to again increase the torsional strength of the monocoque during this period of time despite the 50-percent reduction in weight. The comparison with a production car reveals interesting facts: with comparable torsional values, the weight of the carbon cell of the R18 only amounts to about a fourth of the weight of a body-in-white made of steel sheet.
• The torsional and bending stiffness of the cockpit can only be completely effective if the fully stressed assemblies of the engine and transmission provide the corresponding stiffness. The V6 TDI engine with a 120-degree cylinder bank angle is based on an innovative architecture of the crankcase: Underneath the main bearing, the crankcase is of a ladder frame design. The lateral suction port of the dry sump and the finning connect the bearing blocks with each other. In combination with the upper crankcase deck, this creates a stiff unit. The engine and the monocoque have nearly the same stiffness. This chassis design is complemented by the transmission housing. Since 2012, it has been made of a lightweight and stable full-carbon construction in which the mounting points for the rear axle are integrated. In addition, very light backstays from the monocoque to the transmission housing optimize the stiffness of the rear end.
• A chronological comparison illustrates the significance of the progress that has been made in ultra-lightweight design: The weight of a diesel engine, due to its design, exceeds that of a comparable gasoline engine in the two-digit percentage range. At the same time, the Audi R18 e-tron quattro, since 2012, has been accommodating a hybrid system including a motor at the front axle. Still, the basic weight of the race car is below the minimum of 915 kilograms. Ballast weight is used to improve the set-up. The 1999 R8R, with a gasoline engine and without a hybrid system, weighed almost exactly 900 kilograms and hardly offered any latitude for ballast.
• Numerous smaller solutions have been accompanying the major steps. The carbon fiber gas pedal in the Audi R10 TDI already saved a few hundred grams of weight compared with an aluminum version. The lithium-ion battery that was used for the first time in the 2009 R15 TDI even proved to be seven kilograms lighter than a lead storage battery.

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The Blink HQ suite of products is adding two new programmable Level 2 home chargers to consumers’ charging options; the first to launch is a 30-Amp home charger with delayed start options to optimize charging rates. This will be followed by the introduction of a new Level 2 charger with connected capabilities and remote access.

In tandem with the Blink Network, ECOtality said these new chargers will offer drivers unparalleled freedom and confidence to charge at home and on-the-go.

“Our premiere line of Blink HQ home charging products offer EV drivers exactly what they’ve been asking for: connection to the Blink Network, freedom to charge at home at their convenience and unprecedented value,” said Ravi Brar, CEO of ECOtality. “As EV sales continue their rapid growth, ECOtality is meeting the need for smart, programmable and affordable quick chargers in the home. We see a clear connection between charging at home, at work, while shopping or on the road during a trip. Having Blink HQ home charging products in EV drivers’ homes, bundled with a membership, will help support our growth and generate an annuity base as the number of EV drivers grows.”

To date, Blink has installed over 8,300 residential chargers in 38 states.

The first new Blink HQ model will launch in early summer 2013 and reservations are now being accepted.

Blink still offers its classic wall mount unit as part of the HQ family.

The Blink HQ family of products includes a one-year parts and labor warranty, as well as a free membership to the Blink Network and a $100 membership credit to be used at any of Blink Network’s over 4,000 publicly available charging stations.

Qualified drivers are eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $1,000 on the purchase and installation of a residential charging station through the end of 2013.

The Blink HQ chargers will be available through leading online retailers this summer.

Technical Specifications:

Power Input: 208-240 VAC, single phase, 30 A maximum, 60 Hz

Standby Power: <5 W

Delay Timer: 2, 4, 6, or 8-hour delay, user selected

Operating Temperature: -22F to 122F

Charging Cable Length: 18 feet

Enclosure: NEMA Type 3R

Size: 13.8 W x 15.7 H x 5.0 D inches

Weight: 15.4 pounds

Safety Listing: UL

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The analysis released May 23 proves that when compared to the US military’s regularly outfitted M1151 HMMWV, the FED experienced a 72 percent improvement in fuel economy. The FED’s performance was assessed using a number of realistic duty cycles including highway, off-road and idle conditions.

“We implemented a relatively conservative approach using near or in-market technology to reach our fuel economy objectives, and we have proven they are achievable,” said Wesley Scharmen, Ricardo chief engineer on the project. “This kept costs down and increased the production feasibility of the end product.”

The FED uses a supercharged Cummins I4 engine, low-rolling resistance Goodyear tires, an Alcoa Defense developed aluminum structure and other driveline improvements from Ricardo.

The project was developed as a ‘clean sheet’ with a Ricardo-led team that included personnel from the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) working alongside top industry suppliers.

The FED was built at Ricardo’s Detroit facility in 2011 and later displayed at the Pentagon.  For the last 19 months, it has been undergoing testing at the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland and other locations.

Not only does the FED deliver outstanding fuel economy numbers, but the vehicle boasts better performance, as well.  Driving tests prove significantly improved acceleration over the current vehicle, even when loaded to nearly seven tons.

“The team took a total-vehicle approach to improving fuel economy,” said Carl Johnson, TARDEC’s team lead for FED. “And they did it using proven technology. When government and industry teams work together the results can be substantial. A 72 percent increase in fuel economy provides us with a significant competitive advantage in the field.”

That’s because fuel is the second most delivered commodity to ground troops, right behind water.  Reducing fuel consumption, along with improving military vehicle technology and lowering the nation’s oil dependence is the FED program’s goal.

“Ricardo’s forecasting technology projected precisely what we experienced in our real-world capability studies,” said Johnson. “The data was right on the money.  Moreover, the Ricardo–led team has helped us to develop a FED capable of becoming a credible military vehicle.”

In addition to boosting fuel economy and performance, the FED helped validate Ricardo’s simulation capabilities.

“The FED offers an extremely valuable template for future defence vehicle development,” said Tom Apostolos, president of Ricardo’s US subsidiary, Ricardo Inc. “It sets the stage for cost-effective, high-performing, fuel-efficient vehicles that enable U.S. forces to fulfill their combat roles in the smartest way possible.”

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The agreement was signed by Patrice Ratti, Renault Sport Technologies Managing Director and Renault SAS representative; Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E Holdings; and Frédéric Vasseur, President of Spark Racing Technologies.

“Renault has demonstrated a unique commitment to zero-emission mobility, with a range of four vehicles available for sale. Renault in Europe, and the Renault-Nissan Alliance worldwide, has gained a position of EV sales leader. Formula E is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate the excellence and the reliability of our EV solutions,” said Philippe Klein, Executive Vice President, Corporate Planning, Product Planning & Programs of Renault Group. “We believe that motorsport is an efficient manner to promote the efficiency of new technologies, and we’re eager to use that single-seater in FIA Formula E championship to show our technology is the best.”

Renault said its ongoing involvement in motor racing’s series provides it with a unique technological laboratory, giving it an edge not only in the world of production vehicles but also on the race track.

According to Renault, its technological excellence extends not only in F1 but also in all Z.E. range.

“Renault and Formula E both share the same commitment to innovative technology and sustainable motoring and we’re delighted to welcome them to the Championship as a Founding Partner,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO of Championship promoter Formula E Holdings. “Not only is Renault one of the world’s leading car manufacturers, with a very successful motorsport pedigree, it is also a pioneer for electric vehicles being the first full-range car manufacturer to market zero-emission vehicles. To have a manufacturer of this caliber onboard is a great testament to the growing appeal of the FIA Formula E Championship.”

Spark Racing Technology sided toward this technological expertise to optimize the electric and electronic layout. The 42 Formula E single-seaters built for the start of the first season will be named “Spark-Renault”.

“Spark Racing Technology is extremely proud to have a new major quality player in motorsport, Renault,” said Frédéric Vasseur, CEO of Spark Racing Technology. “Their record and involvement in high level motorsport speaks for the brand. In addition, Renault has always been at the forefront of innovation and having their expertise and know-how is invaluable at such a key moment in the creation of the FIA Formula E World Championship. This partnership with Renault is a new corner stone in a building harmoniously taking shape at all levels.”

Renault Sport Technologies said it is the only car manufacturer to design, develop and market a comprehensive range of sporting cars and vehicles made for motorsport within the same entity. It was obvious for Renault to ask his subsidiary to work on this project and to put to good use all the engineers’ expertise on motorsport vehicles.

“Renault’s expertise in electric powertrain design and integration acquired both in production EV and in Formula 1 makes Renault Sport a natural partner for Spark in this exciting Formula E project,” said Patrice Ratti, Managing Director of Renault Sport Technologies. “Engineers from Renault Sport F1 and Renault Sport Technologies will collaborate with Spark Racing Technology team to optimize the electric and electronic layout and performance of the powertrain. Our experience will be particularly valuable to ensure the safety and reliability of the car.”

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Lease deals will start at $199 per month for 36 months with $999 due at signing and before applicable tax, title, license dealer fees.

“The Chevrolet Spark EV is the most efficient – and now one of the most affordable – EVs you can buy” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. “Combined with outstanding infotainment and great design, the fun-to-drive Spark EV is engineered to impress.”

By comparison, a Nissan Leaf S starts at $29,650 including $850 destination fee and is a larger class of vehicle, and the Leaf has become the world’s top-selling EV with over 25,000 sold in America, and 62,000 worldwide.

With regard to the value offered to the Spark EV Chevrolet adds state subsidies could drop the net outlay to as little as $17,495, taking the $2,500 California state incentive for example.

Chevrolet estimates the Spark EV will save drivers on average $150 per month in fuel costs assuming EPA estimated numbers for mileage driven, efficiency comparisons and fuel costs.

Select dealers in California and Oregon will have these cars available some time in mid June, Chevrolet said, without mentioning roll out details for any other state.

The Leaf is available in all states, and has just seen an uptick in its EPA mileage estimates, but the Spark EV is rated a bit higher.

Chevrolet’s Spark EV promises 400 pound-feet of torque however, much more than the Nissan’s at less than half that. That said, how the Spark’s outsized number translates to road speed is affected by the fact that the Spark has a taller gear ratio than the Chevy Volt, for example, and the net gain at the wheels over the Volt is not as large as would appear from just comparing motor torque.

Nissan’s Leaf is geared for maximum effect for the power it has, and is a peppy car to average around-town commuter speeds, but it did see torque reduced this year to augment range.

California and Oregon buyers – or those who travel to those states to buy – will have several more variables to consider besides in assessing between the Leaf or Spark EV.

However individual value comparisons turn out, there is now one more EV due on the roads from a major manufacturer, and this is a stepping stone toward progress in the eyes of EV proponents.

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In addition to payments made in 2012 and Q1 2013, Tesla said May 22′s wire of almost half a billion dollars ($451.8M) repays the full loan facility with interest.

According to Tesla, following this payment, “Tesla will be the only American car company to have fully repaid the government.”

Tesla may have badly chosen its words as this latest statement was quickly challenged by Chrysler.

Gualberto Ranieri, Chrysler Group LLC Senior Vice President Corporate Communications, posted the following on the company’s blog:

“The information is unmistakably incorrect. It’s pretty well-known that almost exactly two years ago – May 24, 2011 – Chrysler Group LLC repaid (in full and with interest) U.S. and Canadian government loans more than six years ahead of schedule.

Question: short memory or short-circuit?”

For the first seven years since its founding in 2003, Tesla was funded entirely with private funds, led by Elon Musk.

Tesla brought its Roadster sports car to market with a 30 percent gross margin, designed electric powertrains for Daimler (Mercedes) and had done preliminary design of the Model S all before receiving a government loan.

In 2010, Tesla said it was awarded a milestone-based loan, requiring matching private capital obtained via public offering, by the DOE as part of the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing program. This program was signed into law by President Bush in 2008 and then awarded under the Obama administration in the years that followed.

Tesla said this program is often confused with the financial bailouts provided to the then bankrupt GM and Chrysler, who were ineligible for the ATVM program, because a requirement of that program was good financial health.

The loan payment was made May 22 using a portion of the approximately $1 billion in funds raised in last week’s concurrent offerings of common stock and convertible senior notes.

Elon Musk, Tesla’s Chief Executive Officer and cofounder, purchased $100 million of common equity, the least secure portion of the offering.

“I would like to thank the Department of Energy and the members of Congress and their staffs that worked hard to create the ATVM program, and particularly the American taxpayer from whom these funds originate,” said Elon Musk. “I hope we did you proud.”

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From launch, 46 sales agents across the UK will offer the BMW i range.

Each will have specialist technical capabilities allowing them to carry out repairs to the vehicles’ high voltage batteries.

A wider service network is planned to offer extended coverage for the general service, maintenance and repair of BMW i vehicles.

Initially, two BMW i cars have been confirmed for production, the fully-electric BMW i3 megacity vehicle and the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 sports car.

The BMW i3 is BMW’s first fully-electric production car and is due to go on sale in the UK in late 2013. Like the i8, the BMW i3 features an all-aluminum chassis combined with a passenger cell made entirely from lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

BMW Group UK Managing Director, Tim Abbott said customer enquiries about BMW i are already “extremely high” with more than 6000 people registering their interest in the i brand.

“With the announcement of our BMW i retail network we are open for business and taking deposits on the i3 and i8,” he said. “Our BMW i dealerships are located in the areas of the UK with the highest concentrations of population.”

Potential UK customers can now register their interest with one of the BMW i agents or online at www.bmw-i.co.uk.

As well as the vehicles themselves, BMW i will encompass a range of premium services for mobility aimed at optimizing the use of parking spaces, recharging infrastructure, ‘smart’ navigation systems, intermodal route planning and access to other BMW vehicles on an ‘on-demand’ basis.

BMW said it is the first premium vehicle manufacturer to offer such a comprehensive ownership package surrounding electric mobility.

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The ChargePoint EV charging station, which can charge two cars at once, has been installed at the Homewood Suites on Wolf Road in Colonie.

It was unveiled at a ceremony featuring Pat Romano, president and CEO, ChargePoint; Bill Flaherty, regional executive, National Grid; Francis J. Murray Jr., president and CEO, NYSERDA; and Brian Straughter, vice president, Turf Hotels.

This public/private partnership, which supports Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Charge NY program, will provide more than 80 EV charging stations throughout New York State, of which 67 will be located in National Grid’s service area in upstate New York.

ChargePoint and National Grid will be providing an additional $550,000 for the cost of this program.

ChargePoint said New York has one of the highest growth rates of electric vehicles in the country. With nearly 4,000 vehicles registered today, according to New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, the number of EVs in the state has tripled in the past year.

“New York is laying the foundation to be the largest EV market for electric vehicles on the East Coast,” said Pat Romano, president and CEO of ChargePoint. “We are proud to be working closely with National Grid, the only East Coast investor-owned utility that has made this kind of commitment to EV infrastructure in the United States. NYSERDA continues to support Governor Cuomo’s visionary plan to ‘Charge NY,’ which calls for ramping up in

The state expects the number of EVs in the state to increase to as many as 40,000 by 2018, and a million by 2025.vestment in EV charging stations around the state.”

”The collaboration among NYSERDA, ChargePoint, and National Grid is a model of a public-private partnership working for New York State and the environment,” said Bill Flaherty, regional executive of National Grid’s Eastern New York division. “Plug-in electric vehicles are more than just a new way to get around. They’re a major part of a cleaner, more efficient transportation future. At National Grid, we’re committed to making this new technology more viable and cost-effective for ourselves and our customers, and pleased to help make it happen in Eastern New York and across New York State.”

Earlier this year, Governor Cuomo announced Charge NY, a new initiative to promote EVs through investing $50 million over five years. The program calls for installing 3,000 public and workplace charging stations by 2018, plus other steps meant to encourage the growth of electric vehicle ownership.

“Governor Cuomo’s ‘Charge NY’ program is developing an EV charging infrastructure across the state that will encourage and accommodate consumers in the purchase of electric vehicles,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., president and CEO, NYSERDA. “The investment being made through this public-private partnership will not only lead to a reduction in emissions from the transportation sector but will help stimulate economic activity.”

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