The five-star rating is the U.S. Government’s highest-possible safety rating and is determined only after severe testing procedures as part of NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), which combines vehicle performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollover.

The Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid joins the Ford Fusion and the Ford Fusion Hybrid which already received five-star safety ratings.

NHTSA has elected to test plug-in vehicles separately from vehicles powered by gasoline internal combustion engines as the market share of electrified vehicles is increasing.

Ford said April marked its best hybrid sales month ever with Ford’s EV market share hitting an all-time high of 18 percent, up from 3 percent last April.

“The Fusion Energi combines the highest possible safety ratings from NHTSA and great fuel economy, two things we know customers are looking for in their vehicles,” said Steve Kenner, Global Director of the Ford Automotive Safety Office. “Our strategy is to provide our customers with a range of powertrain options in our vehicles, while still leading in fuel economy in every segment that we compete.”

The Fusion Energi gets an EPA fuel economy rating of 108 MPGe.

The NHTSA five-star rating for the Fusion Energi comes in addition to the 2013 Fusion being named a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in December.

The Top Safety Pick + designation is the highest rating the organization has for vehicle safety.

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Since the launch of highway legal cars such as Chevrolet’s Volt and Nissan’s Leaf in December 2010, plus a modest beginning for Tesla’s Roadster before that, and others following, the 100,000 number is being seen as a significant if not yet paradigm-changing milestone.

“Our current estimate, based on monthly sales figures from automakers, is that the 100,000th highway-capable plug-in vehicle will be sold on May 20,” said Tom Saxton, Plug In America’s chief science officer. “We are calling this the #PIA100K mark, and we are excited to see the continued growth of the market.”

Plug in America now has a PEV unit-sold-in-America counter posted on its Web site, and announced a drawing which consumers can enter online for a free vehicle charger to those who purchase a plug-in vehicle between May 15 and Jun 15.

In overview, electrified vehicle proponents see today’s boundary crossing as a sign of progress while acknowledging resistance, fundamental lack of awareness and accurate understanding, and politicized push back as well.

Plug in America board member Barry Woods blogged in anticipation of the 100,000 unit milestone that he has observed a slow changing of the tide in the face of staunch obstacles plug-in vehicles must yet overcome.

“Misinformation abounds – about the costs, range, battery resiliency, EV carbon emissions, the superiority of other alternative fuels, a “green” political pre-disposition,” wrote Woods of various sources of resistance on May 9. “Unfortunately, too often those with the biggest bullhorn shape the ‘facts.’”

Model S has been named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, Automobile magazine’s Automobile of the Year, and has garnered a number of top honors besides.

But progress is happening in spite of all this.

Based on the current average household size, Plug in America estimates a quarter million people have been exposed to the viability of daily life with all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric cars. He noted that in March in the Portland metro area, Nissan dealers collectively sold more Leafs than any other model, even more than the best-selling Altima.

Woods is directly involved in selling chargers, and he has noticed a shift in attitudes at dealers he visits.

“Where are we today? We have Nissan, Tesla, Chevy, Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, FIAT, manufacturing PEV models with their own branding,” said Woods. “Now when I go into auto dealers, they invite me back to speak to their sales staff and discuss charging as an issue and what their customers will need to make better use of the car’s range capabilities.”

Other highlights include:

• Tesla’s Model S is outselling the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the BMW 7 series and the Audi A8
• Chevy Volt drivers alone have logged over 187-million electric miles
• The plug-in vehicle market is approaching 48 percent annual growth with both Battery Electric (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles finding growing interest
• Plug-in vehicle adoption exceeds the adoption of hybrid vehicles over the same timeframe in their market developments
• The domestic EV fleet now offers over 2,000 megawatts of battery storage, which may offer significant opportunities for the future management of our electrical grid and the increasing role of intermittent renewable energy sources
• Manufacturers making EVs now include Nissan, Tesla, GM, Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, and Fiat. These plug-in cars have received a wealth of consumer and industry awards

Is it enough?

The above question is not ours, but was first posed by USA Today noting 100,000 units “is just slightly less than the sales of a single conventional model, the Ford Fusion, over the first four months of the year. And the Fusion was only the sixth most popular model in the U.S.”

Objections persist over range, charging time and costs, writes USA Today – not to mention several other objections noted by Woods above.

A More Bullish Perspective

With seemingly eyes wide open, Woods noted EV proponents were nonetheless correct about the prospects for plug-in technology and the growth on a percentage basis has been markedly more significant than hybrid market growth.

That is true, but when one starts from a base of zero units, and grows to higher levels, percentage points can appear impressive if viewed without context.

Beyond this, Woods said advocates were also correct that American car shoppers would accept choices other than gasoline if given a long haul value.

Nissan’s 2013 Leaf had its best sales month in March, and second-best in April this year. It’s now built in Tennessee and Nissan is investing billions in PEVs.

“A virtuous market – and policy-based cycle has developed to bring down prices and spur R & D,” said Wood. “We appreciate that these vehicles are not just ‘green,’ they are advanced vehicle technology creating better transportation choices and superior driving experiences. They can become the Car of the Year.”

To be sure, the 100,000 milestone is well short of being on track to hit an early goal set by President Obama for 1 million EVs and PHEVs sold in the U.S. by 2015.

At the same time, things are accelerating, and even if the goal is not hit on time, there is a sizable and growing number of PEVs on American roads leading toward a “tipping point” as Plug in America describes it, in favor of larger scale adoption.

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The list is compiled annually by KBB.com editors to highlight vehicles that address unique family specifications and situations, and offer innovation.

“Our annual list is aimed at helping families find the right ride and always include something for everyone, with a special nod to what is new,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com.

Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com editors offered these thoughts on the two Toyota models:

On the 2013 Toyota Prius v: “Let’s say you love Toyota vehicles and want the exceptional fuel economy of a hybrid, but the standard Prius just isn’t big enough. Then consider the 2013 Prius v, which comes jam-packed with all the Prius-ness you crave while also offering roughly 50 percent more cargo space. Yes, plus-sizing the Prius cuts combined fuel economy from 50 mpg to 42 mpg, but among family-friendly vehicles the Prius v remains a mileage champ.”

On the 2013 Toyota Avalon: “Renowned for its spacious interior quarters, abundance of luxury features and sofa-soft ride, the fully redesigned Toyota Avalon can now add “high style” to its list of highlights. In addition, laudable fuel economy coupled with an exemplary reputation for reliability and quality, make the 2013 Avalon a smart buy for today’s value-conscious family.”

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Named after the chemical symbol for hydrogen, the H2USA partnership brings together government agencies, gas suppliers, the hydrogen and fuel cell industries and automakers including Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Toyota.

While American automakers and private industry have made significant progress, H2USA will bring experts together to solve key infrastructure challenges, including leveraging low-cost natural gas resources.

Through the program, industry and government partners will identify actions to encourage early adopters of fuel cell electric vehicles, conduct coordinated technical and market analysis, and evaluate alternative fueling infrastructure that can enable cost reductions and economies of scale.

“Fuel cell technologies are an important part of an all-of-the-above approach to diversify America’s transportation sector, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and increase our competitiveness in the global market,” said assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy, David Danielson in the Energy Department’s press release. “By bringing together key stakeholders from across the U.S. fuel cell and hydrogen industry, the H2USA partnership will help advance affordable fuel cell electric vehicles that save consumers money and give drivers more options.”

Hyundai is currently making a fuel-cell-powered version of the Tucson with the goal of selling 1,000 units by 2015, when it will launch the next-generation Tucson and target annual output of about 10,000 units.

“Hyundai’s Tucson Fuel Cell program is an integral part of our plan to develop low-carbon, fuel-efficient vehicles that minimize fuel consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emissions,” said Gil Castillo, senior group manager, alternative vehicle strategy, Hyundai Motor America. “Our partnership with the Energy Department and H2USA is another way Hyundai is striving to meet the critical social needs for both mobility and environmental preservation.”

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The announcement came during a special event held to demonstrate the innovation of racing technology in Thailand, attended by the Pol.Maj.Gen Lattasanya Piansomparn, Advisor to the Minister of Energy, Mr. Chiruit Israngkun Na Ayuthaya, Director-Domestic MICE, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, and Alejandro Agag, CEO of Championship promoter Formula E Holdings (FEH).

More than 200 guests attended the reception, also held in honour of His Majesty the King’s 86^th birthday, hosted on the eighth floor of the ZEN Shopping Mall by leading Thai DJ and model Nattaseat Poonsupmanee.

Taking centre stage at the ceremony was the fully-electric Formula E car making its first ever appearance in Asia.

Earlier this year, FEH presented the FIA with a preliminary list of eight cities – London, Rome, Los Angeles, Miami, Beijing, Putrajaya, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro – all selected to host races for the inaugural season.

A total of 10 races are scheduled for 2014 with Bangkok adding its name to the list of candidate cities for the remaining two slots.

Since launching in August 2012, FEH has received formal letters of interest from 23 cities across five continents with the final calendar being presented to the FIA for its approval at the September 2013 World Motor Sport Council.

“We are delighted to be here in Bangkok today and are very thankful to the Thai authorities for their enthusiastic welcome,” said Alejandro Agag. “We have been very impressed with Thailand’s commitment to cleaner energy and sustainable motoring, as well as their rising motorsport programme, and a Formula E race through this amazing city would provide a great spectacle together with a considerable boost to tourism.”

Mr. Chiruit Israngkun Na Ayuthaya said that “the FIA Formula E Championship in Bangkok city will help economic growth (GDP) and generate tourism revenue for the country, especially MICE industry and motor sports economic activities.”

Formula E is a new FIA championship that brings electric vehicle racing to the people, as city centres around the world play host to an electric energy World Championship designed to promote interest and investment in electric vehicles and sustainable motoring.

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This was indicated when GM announced two new colors for 2014 – Ashen Gray Metallic and Brownstone Metallic – on images of what look like the same car as a 2013. Apart from this, some changes here and there are planned for 2014, but the new car is not considered different enough to warrant new photos.

Last night we saw GM’s communications department had posted photos labeled 2014 Volt, and some of these same photos were used for 2013, 2012 and even 2011 model year representations of the Volt.

Fans and enthusiasts for electrified vehicles and the Volt in particular have wondered when generation 2 will come along – or if it will come along even – given there are some speculative voices out there suggesting GM could or should cease production.

Most observers correctly do not believe the 2014 Volt will see a substantial reworking, but despite the announcement of new colors, we have seen some random queries and comments – some perhaps based on false speculation from last year – and even among informed regular readers of GM-Volt.com hoping to see significant updates for 2014.

Also, despite speculation, there is no indication that the Volt model would be canceled at some point, and gen-2 may be a 2015 or maybe a 2016 model, though GM has not announced this. GM executives in the U.S. and in Europe have spoken of a second-generation Volt as substantially improved, but GM has inadvertently laid to rest some of the outlying speculation for 2014.

Screen shot 5/17/13. Click on to enlarge image.

Today we spoke to Volt communications representative Michelle Malcho and GM media representative Randy Fox and gleaned the car will carry over much like it was, but some changes to content will be made.

The actual details will not be divulged until mid to late June, Malcho said.

So, this leaves questions whether GM found new improvements of substance to pack into the existing platform like it did last year. Among last year’s improvements, the 2013 Volt did receive a 0.5-kwh increase to its formerly 16.0-kwh battery resulting in more range and improved miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe). It also was equipped with the Hold mode that European Volts and Vauxhall/Opel Amperas get that suspends battery use and makes the car run on gas to save electric power for later.

So far, GM has only divulged 2014 colors, so mum is the word even if GM’s CEO did let it slip that the second-generation Volt will see substantial weight loss, and cost as much as $10,000 less.

GM has not announced pricing or launch date for the 2014 either. Last year the changeover from 2012 to 2013 models was in July coinciding with a planned several-week shutdown at the Detroit-Hamtramck Volt assembly plant for maintenance and tooling work.

This photo was labeled 2012 Volt in 2012, then re-labeled 2013 for now, and for a brief while, it was also labeled “2014-Chevrolet-Volt-003″ by GM.

But that was how things worked out last year. This year, Malcho said she did not know off hand whether a scheduled shut down was even in the works, and it will depend on what sort of pending build schedule the plant will have, and whether scheduled maintenance and other factors deem it necessary.

You can look for GM’s media page with the 2014 Volt photos, but we were told this was put up by mistake, and it was already removed within minutes after speaking with Chevrolet personnel informing them their communications people had posted them.

The post How Different Will The 2014 Volt Be From 2013? appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Volvo Car Group (Volvo) is now ramping up production by 90 percent. It is doing so earlier than anticipated to keep up with the demand.

The increased demand, especially in Holland, Belgium and Italy, means that the Plug-in Hybrid production at Volvo Cars’ Torslanda plant in Sweden will be increased continuously from 150 to 282 units per week.

All in all, Volvo Cars will produce 7,600 plug-in hybrids in 2013 – and the 2014 target is 10,000 units.

“We are exceptionally pleased that the V60 Plug-in Hybrid has received such a fantastic reception among consumers. However, I am not surprised. Our Plug-in Hybrid is a unique car, superior to all other hybrids on the market,” says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development at Volvo Car Group. “Since the Plug-in Hybrid has been integrated into the established production flow together with other car models, we have the flexibility to quickly adapt to the increasing demand.”

The driver of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid can select the driving mode wanted via three buttons on the dashboard that gives the car three entirely different temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.

The default mode is hybrid.

By pressing the Pure button, the driver can cover up to 31.06 miles on pure electric power.

By pressing the Power button, the driver will use the combined capacity of the diesel engine and electric motor to create a veritable driving machine using the combined power of the gasoline engine (215 horsepower) and the electric motor (70 horsepower).

“This on-demand possibility to choose between different driving modes makes the V60 Plug-in Hybrid the perfect choice for the uncompromising customer who wants minimum carbon dioxide emissions combined with maximum driving pleasure,” says Peter Mertens.

Volvo said the V60 Plug-in Hybrid is the synthesis of close cooperation between Volvo Car Group and the Swedish electricity supplier Vattenfall.

The two companies have financed the development project jointly.

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Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF) today held an official ceremony to mark the start of production on May 6 of its Toyota Yaris compact car for export to the United States of America, Canada and Puerto Rico.

The model produced is the conventional gas Yaris and annual export volume will be around 25,000 units on a full-year basis.

No word yet on whether or not the Yaris Hybrid will also cross the ocean.

From the small Northern French town of Onnaing, near Valenciennes, TMMF will now export its vehicles to more than 40 countries, including destinations like South Africa, Egypt, Canada and the United States of America.

“Building on more than 10 years of experience in high quality car production, this Yaris is another endorsement of TMMF’s excellence in manufacturing,” said Makoto Sano, President of TMMF. “We are proud to be recognized as a true player in the Toyota organization and welcome this new business opportunity to further strengthen TMMF’s position as an important exporter in France.”

“With Quebec accounting for 65 percent of Yaris’ Canadian sales, a warm welcome will be assured for this ‘Made-in-France’ vehicle,” said Seiji Ichii, President and CEO of Toyota Canada Inc.

The Toyota Yaris became the first vehicle ever produced in France to be certified with the new “French Origin Guaranteed” (“Origine France Garantie”) label.

This certificate was created in order to help customers identify products that have more than 50% of their value manufactured in France.

The current, third generation Toyota Yaris was launched in Europe in the summer of 2011, followed by the Toyota Yaris Hybrid in June 2012. In an overall declining B-segment, the Yaris model range grew 27 percent in 2012 compared to 2011, mainly supported by strong sales of the Yaris Hybrid.

With sales of 182,841 vehicles, the Yaris model accounted for nearly 22 percent of Toyota’s total European sales in 2012.

In the U.S., Toyota sold 30,590 Yaris (hatch and sedan) in 2012. Total sales of the Yaris hatchback in Canada for 2012 was 8,440 units.

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This year’s Pikes Peak hill climb race will be held on June 30.

With the upgraded all-new MiEV Evolution II, MMC said it has set its sights on an outright victory in this legendary American race.

The new racecar will be powered by four 100 kilowatt electric motors, one for each wheel, for a total maximum power output of 400 kilowatt.

These four motors will be powered by a 50 kilowatt-hour battery made by LEJ.

Held annually in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) is an annual automobile and motorcycle hill climb to the 14,110-foot summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado, with entrants covering an elevation difference of almost 4,720 feet.

First run in 1916, the hill climb celebrates its 91st running this year making it the second oldest U.S. motorsport event after the Indianapolis 500. Also known as “The Race to the Clouds,” atmospheric pressure, temperature, weather and other conditions vary significantly between the start and finish, requiring optimum vehicle tuning for maximum performance.

MMC entered the Pikes Peak competition for the first time last year with the i-MiEV Evolution all-electric prototype, finishing second in the Electric Vehicle division.

Participation in the event brought a wealth of data in areas such as vehicle speed and acceleration, lithium-ion drive battery consumption, electric motor temperature and other key information that will play an important role in future MMC electric vehicle development.

Driving the pair of all-new MiEV Evolution II racing prototypes will be two-time Dakar Rally champion and MMC vehicle development/test driver Hiroshi Masuoka and six-time PPIHC motorcycle champion Greg Tracy.

Hiroshi Masuoka scored a second-place finish in last year’s PPIHC in the Electric Vehicle division piloting the i-MiEV Evolution racing prototype.

In addition to competing in the event with two electric vehicles, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is also announcing its role as the Presenting Sponsor of the 91^st running of PPIHC.

An all-New MiEV Evolution II for 2013

Like last year’s i-MiEV Evolution, the MiEV Evolution II combines parts used in production vehicles with a high-capacity battery and high-output motors specially-designed by MMC’s suppliers.

Based on experience gained from last year’s race, MMC has added a high-tech Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system to the innovative four-motor (two-front/two-rear) drivetrain for increased handling and control in the MiEV Evolution II.

MMC said that together with a specially-designed body that provides reduced weight and improved aerodynamics, the MiEV Evolution II represents a significantly improved all-electric racing prototype.

MMC provided a few design highlights of the 2013 MiEV Evolution II:

• Improved lower center of gravity due to redesigned lithium-ion battery placement
• Improved power output/performance from four-motor (two front/two rear) 4WD drivetrain with MMC’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated vehicle dynamics control system
• Active Yaw Control (AYC) to optimally control yaw for improved high-speed cornering
• Active Stability Control (ASC) for improved vehicle dynamics and control by automatically managing brake force to one or more wheels as well as motor output
• Redesigned Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

The post Mitsubishi To Tackle Pikes Peak With Electric Racecar appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Honda is taking a limited-market approach to introducing the vehicle ostensibly positioned against cars like the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, Ford Fusion Energi and C-Max Energi plug-in hybrids, and even Chevy Volt.

It was launched Jan. 15. 2013, and as of April 2013 had sold 100 units, with 55 sales being in April. It is available to those in other states willing to purchase the vehicle in California or New York and transport it back home. Honda says the car will be available for “the next couple of years” and the goal is to sell just 1,100 of the plug-in Accords in those states.

It is also being assessed for market viability in Canada.

A promotional video produced by Honda.

Honda says it does not have further plans to announce, and the company is looking forward to selling many more units of its non-plug-in hybrid Accord this fall that is based on the same car albeit with smaller battery pack.

Plug-in System

Honda’s first production plug-in vehicle earned 115 miles per gallon equivalent EPA rating for its (limited) 13 miles of estimated all-electric range. This is equal to the combined MPG of the range-topping 2013 Nissan Leaf fully electric car, and beats all other plug-in hybrids, some of which go farther in all-electric mode.

Gasoline fuel economy for the Accord plug-in is also impressive at 47 mpg city, 46 highway, 46 combined.

The Accord Plug-In is the first production car in the U.S. to meet the new, more stringent LEV3/SULEV20 emissions standard, and will also qualify for single-occupant carpool-lane access in California.

The 2014 Accord PHEV is powered by an all-new “Honda Earth Dreams technology” two-motor hybrid system. It utilizes a 124-kilowatt (kw) electric motor that also acts like a continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) mated to a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine. A 6.7-kilowatt-hour (kwh) lithium-ion (li-Ion) battery provides power in all-electric mode, and regenerative braking is handled by an all-new electric-servo braking system.

Drivers will have the option to manually select from the default start-up all-electric mode to hybrid mode.

The plug-in Accord can be fully charged from a low-charge indication point in less than three hours using the supplied 120-volt charger when plugged into a standard 120-volt household electrical outlet, and in less than one hour using a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

Honda’s smartphone app, HondaLink EV, will allow owners to remotely monitor the charging state of the car.

The car can be fully charged from a low-charge indication point in less than three hours using the supplied 120-volt charger when plugged into a standard 120-volt household electrical outlet (a dedicated GFCI outlet is recommended). Charge time is less than one hour using a 240-volt “Level-2” charger.

Otherwise All Accord

Apart from the unique powertrain, the Accord plug-in has been engineered to be like other Accords with regards to driving characteristics and creature comforts.

The car is based on the Touring trim level of the standard Accord Sedan but is distinguished with unique styling cues, and is available in three exterior colors, including two standard Accord shades (White Orchid Pearl and Crystal Black Pearl) plus a model-exclusive Burnished Silver Metallic.

Its MSRP is $39,780 excluding tax, license, registration, $790 destination charge and options. A monthly lease price of $429 is also offered for 36 months with $2,499.00 due at time of signing. Honda notes this lease deal “Includes down payments with no security deposit. Excludes taxes, titles and dealer fees.”

For more information on the Accord Plug-in Hybrid you can consult Honda’s Web site.

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