LA Electric Cars: Will you drive one?

[archd1]

Electric cars are coming back....check this link:

http://laelectriccars.com/
http://laelectriccars.com/images/xebra_pk_home.jpg
http://laelectriccars.com/images/xebra_home.jpg
http://laelectriccars.com/images/828e_home.jpg
http://laelectriccars.com/images/012e_home.jpg

[alex3000]

OMG!!! They're so cute!!! LOL.

How much, though??? I'd buy the 3rd one, yup yup.

[Joey313]

I like the last one

[croyboy]

the last one looks kinda cool, but no i wouldn't by one. they run out of juice after 50 miles. in los angeles that will get you to work, but not back. not because everyone works 50 miles away, but because you will waste over half of those miles parked on the freeway during traffic

[godblessbotox]

screw those things give me a real car
http://www.teslamotors.com/index.php?js_enabled=1

[croyboy]

much better botox... i could see myself in one of those... the only thing holding me back is car insurance and all that other payment crap that comes with private vehicles

[godblessbotox]

...and the $1oo,ooo price tag

[croyboy]

...!!

[Damien]

I don't know the specifics of these cars, but modern Lithium-Ion batteries can allow EVs to travel 250 miles per charge. But like all new technology the batteries are extremely expensive, because they aren't yet mass produced.

As technology improves we'll be able to speed up the charging process and continue to expand the capacity of the batteries. But a solution that's available today - right now - and could be widely implemented in a matter of months (not years or decades) is the Plug-In Hybrid (http://www.calcars.org/vehicles.html), which provides 100 miles or more per gallon.

If only our leaders actually gave a shit about solving this oil problem, and American carmakers actually cared about making a profit.

Re: LA Electric Cars, I'm not a big fan of the dork-mobiles. There are regular looking electric vehicles and in Los Angeles we have a decent infrastructure to support it. Marketing these tiny dorky cars just makes electric vehicle technology seem like its a futuristic pie-in-the-sky idea that's not ready for primetime, when in actuality the exact opposite is true.

If you haven't yet, see Who Killed the Electric Car? (www.sonyclassics.com/whokilledtheelectriccar)

[bruin787]

the cars look ok, but why do they always make them so damn small??? dont the designers realize the average american wont FIT inside one of 'em?

btw, anyone else waiting for the Lexus from Minority Report to come out?

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f269/janus020/lexusconceptside.jpg

[croyboy]

it's how they can get more mileage on electicity...

it might be tight for a family of 4, but manageable

does anyone have a problem with fitting in a car or does the majority of our populace just like more empty space? i have never come across anyone (including americans) who couldn't fit in a car

[godblessbotox]

maybe they just feel safer in bigmobiles... lets ask fernny

[croyboy]

lets

[Fern~Fern*]

maybe they just feel safer in bigmobiles... lets ask fernny




^ Yesssssssssssssss?

[Fern~Fern*]

the cars look ok, but why do they always make them so damn small??? dont the designers realize the average american wont FIT inside one of 'em?

btw, anyone else waiting for the Lexus from Minority Report to come out?

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f269/janus020/lexusconceptside.jpg



^^

:drool: :drool: :drool: OMG, I'm speechless........ How much?

[godblessbotox]

^ Yesssssssssssssss?

why do people like cars that are mostly empty?

[Fern~Fern*]

why do people like cars that are mostly empty?



^ For the same reason some prefer boxers over briefs, for the comfort and easy access.....:lol:

[croyboy]

haha... i say you're compensatin' :lol:

[godblessbotox]

ha

[archd1]

it's how they can get more mileage on electicity...

it might be tight for a family of 4, but manageable

does anyone have a problem with fitting in a car or does the majority of our populace just like more empty space? i have never come across anyone (including americans) who couldn't fit in a car
The cars look small in relation to our wide roads...well actually they are really small by American standards. These cars of course are more beneficial to those running errands close to their home and one has to have a pretty high self-esteem to drive them.

[croyboy]

yeah, that most likely appeals to those who wanna look good in a car.

for short errands, a bike would be more beneficial i would think.

[Elsongs]

the last one looks kinda cool, but no i wouldn't by one. they run out of juice after 50 miles. in los angeles that will get you to work, but not back. not because everyone works 50 miles away, but because you will waste over half of those miles parked on the freeway during traffic


Actually the newer electric cars as well as hybrids have a feature called "regenerative braking" which recharges the batteries from electricity generated from braking actions. So if you're in stop-and-go traffic it actually helps.

[croyboy]

yeah hybrids do that, but 100% electric cars won't. if i had to choose a car it would be a hybrid instead of electric. way cheaper and reliable. i think a hybrid can get 100+ miles to the gallon.

[Elsongs]

yeah hybrids do that, but 100% electric cars won't. if i had to choose a car it would be a hybrid instead of electric. way cheaper and reliable. i think a hybrid can get 100+ miles to the gallon.

Didn't the EV-1 have regenerative braking?

[croyboy]

i don't know... i haven't heard of any full-electric vehicle that can do that. you'd pretty much be unstoppable.

[Elsongs]

i don't know... i haven't heard of any full-electric vehicle that can do that. you'd pretty much be unstoppable.

Regenerative breaking doesn't produce enough electricity to recharge the batteries fully, but enough to extend their range a bit.

[croyboy]

actually yeah. that sounds right. do you know for how much longer?

[Fern~Fern*]

^ No clue?

[Elsongs]

actually yeah. that sounds right. do you know for how much longer?


It would depend on the car, electrical system and batteries...also how much you're braking.

[croyboy]

sounds logical captain. haha

[ivan330Ci]

Only 250miles to drive? That is sort of shot.

[Westsidelife]

This isn't damn San Francisco! But seriously, I wonder exactly how many people in SF drive electric cars. SF seems pretty car dependent to me, certainly not as much as LA though.

[Elsongs]

This isn't damn San Francisco! But seriously, I wonder exactly how many people in SF drive electric cars. SF seems pretty car dependent to me, certainly not as much as LA though.


People think that the Bay Area is SF. But SF is just a small part of the Bay Area. Outside "The City" is a bunch of sprawling, car-dependent suburbs and cookiecutter subdivisions. The Bay Area is actually much more spread-out than Southern California. It takes less time to travel from Orange County to the Valley than it takes to travel from The Bay Area's South Bay to Vallejo.

[croyboy]

san fransisco itself is 49 square miles. a little larger than our downtown, which has good mass transit.

[archd1]

These are not your father's Hybrid cars:

Extreme Green
By CNNMONEY.COM

http://cdn.digitalcity.com/ch_autos/extreme_green_111306kn

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- An algae-filled Hummer and a Volkswagen that can dissolve and rebuild itself are among the ideas presented by car designers for a Los Angeles Auto Show competition.

At the Los Angeles Auto Show, taking place at the end of November, a team of judges will present an award to the automotive design team that presents the best idea for the ultimate eco-friendly vehicle.

Nine California-based car design teams, working for companies including General Motors, Volkswagen,Toyota and Honda are participating in the "Design Los Angeles" competition. The competition was open to automobile design studios based in Southern California.

Each presented detailed sketches of what their companies might create at some future time when, according to contest organizers, "all vehicles have technology allowing them to enjoy the distinctive Southern California lifestyle and unique environment without harming it."

According to contest rules, the proposed vehicles must be fully recyclable after five years and have as little impact as possible on the environment. Entries also must reflect the Southern California lifestyle.

See More Extreme Green Cars of the Future Here

Most of the vehicles dreamed up would be impossible to create using today's technology.

In order to comply with the rule requiring minimal environmental impact, some vehicles offset their emissions by cleaning the air.

The Hummer 02, for example, would have body panels filled with algae, a form of plant-life. Through photosynthesis, the Hummer would turn C02 into a pure oxygen, just like a tree. When the vehicle is parked, the Hummer's body panels could fold upwards, sticking out like leaves to capture more sunlight.

The Mini Biomoke's body panels would be impregnated with palm tree seeds, which would sprout after the panels were composted at the end of the vehicle's useful life.

The VW Nanospyder would be constructed entirely of microscopic machines that could disassemble and reassemble themselves. In the event of a crash, the tiny machines that make up the frame could loosen their bonds in certain areas to create "crumple zones" to soften the impact.

The winning entry will be selected based by a panel of judges, including representatives of the major automotive design schools. The entries will be judged based on creativity, contribution to the environment, safety and reflection of the Southern California "Green" lifestyle. The winner will be announced Nov. 30.

Acura FCX 2020 Le Mans
Acura Design Center

Designers: Leon Paz, Joe deNatale, David Cheng

The 2020 LeMans relies on a compact fuel cell not yet invented and strong, lightweight, fully recyclable materials. The proposed hydrogen fuel cell would be tested in the 24-hour LeMans endurance race, hence the name.

http://i.cnn.net/money/popups/2006/autos/green_design/acura_2020_lemans.jpg

Hummer O2
General Motors Advanced Design, California

Designers: Frank Saucedo, Steve Anderson, Jussi Timonen, Jose Paris, Loren Kulesus

This fuel-cell powered Hummer would produce oxygen. Agae-filled body panels could break down C02, a greenhouse gas, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. When parked, body panels would fan out to catch more light, speeding the process. The 02 would be constructed from 100-percent post-consumer recycled aluminum.
http://i.cnn.net/money/popups/2006/autos/green_design/gm_hummer_o2.jpg

Mercedes-Benz RECY
Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America

Designers: Andre Frey, Grorden Wagener, Nick Garfias, Jeffrey Aneiros, Christopher Rhoades

Conceived as "the ultimate recyclable California roadster," the RECY would be powered by a four-cylinder clean bio-diesel engine. Damaged panels can be easily removed and replaced.

"And yes, you can use those old panels to create that perfect campfire!" according to designers.

http://i.cnn.net/money/popups/2006/autos/green_design/mercedes-benz_recy.jpg

Mini Biomoke
BMW Group DesignworksUSA

Designer: Gary Shiu

The Biomoke is a futuristic version of the Mini Moke, a Jeep-like offroader produced by the original Mini in the 1960s. It would be produced in a kit car form. It's body could be constructed from a single sheet of biodegradable paneling impregnated with palm tree seeds. At the end of its five-year life cycle, its body parts could be composted to grow palm trees.
http://i.cnn.net/money/popups/2006/autos/green_design/mini_biomoke.jpg

[godblessbotox]

ugh...

[Fern~Fern*]

I like the Benz.

[godblessbotox]

shit the auto show is in december!! anyone going?

[Fern~Fern*]

shit the auto show is in december!! anyone going?


The LA Auto show has been changed and I think Archd1 is right.

[godblessbotox]

hmmm... thats not what the website says?

ok ither that guy is wrong or the la auto show website is wrong... i need to know who is right! and fast!!! i need to oggle my lotus somemore and hang out in the s2ooo drivers seat to hold me over till next year

[Fern~Fern*]

hmmm... thats not what the website says?

ok ither that guy is wrong or the la auto show website is wrong... i need to know who is right! and fast!!! i need to oggle my lotus somemore and hang out in the s2ooo drivers seat to hold me over till next year



^ No, really you need a new car and pronto.

[godblessbotox]

damnit im working on it! fucking student loans are alot! but soon

[archd1]

LA Auto Show website says December 1 to December 10, 2006 but the awards for the Green cars says November 30...since you don't care about the Green Cars anyhow, just go! you have ten days, for god's sake!!!

[godblessbotox]

hey now i care about green cars. i just dont want them to look like barbie cars.

if i had $1oo,ooo that tesla would be mine

[archd1]

Cool! but some forumers here want their Barbies! Ferney?....

[Fern~Fern*]

Cool! but some forumers here want their Barbies! Ferney?....


^ Big V8's are not Barbie vehicles, it makes you king of the road!

[croyboy]

^^^ with other kings stuck in traffic with you :)

[godblessbotox]

ney... if a v8 is king. i am merely a pawn.

though as a pawn more of my money goes were i want it too :)

[Fern~Fern*]

^^^ with other kings stuck in traffic with you :)


^ No not really they'll be riding transit (Expo Line) with everyone else.:banana:

[jacobboyer]

I think they look ugly except the last one but io love the tesla one and the other one that was displayed on here. I wanna get the hybrid escalade now thats one sweet looking SUV.

[godblessbotox]

...whats the point?

[croyboy]

i guess it's cheeper. i would rather not own a vehicle anyway (insurance, gas, time in traffic, blah blah blah...). the only real benefit for me (from everyone else driving it) is that i would be healthier (gotta breathe you know).

[Silicon Francisco]

hey now i care about green cars. i just dont want them to look like barbie cars.

if i had $1oo,ooo that tesla would be mine
I like it too, probably the first real electric car for sale.
http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/Tesla/tesla_rdstr_DV-06_pb_013.jpg
http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/Tesla/tesla_rdstr_DV-06_pb_i03.jpg
They're coming out with a sedan that should be cheaper also.

[klamedia]

Just saw "Who Killed The Electric Car?". Well, I still don't know.

[archd1]

.....the Los Angeles auto show looks like an exciting opening act to the 2007 automotive season.

http://www.laautoshow.com/show/

The world?s leading automakers descend on Southern California this week as the Los Angeles Auto Show kicks off the North American automotive show season.

With a theme of a ?new beginning,? the 10-day exhibition is second in importance only to the Detroit Auto Show, traditionally held in early January. Los Angeles has moved its position in the calendar to early December from January in a bid to make a splash at the start of the auto show season. This year?s event boasts cars from 47 manufacturers, with 21 world debuts, including seven concept cars.

The Los Angeles show will focus on some of the most important issues facing the auto industry including the growing need for alternative-fuel cars, which after a summer of surging gasoline prices should be high in the minds of car buyers.....

Automobile design is big business in Los Angeles, which boasts the world?s greatest concentration of car design studios. The competition ? which includes entries from Acura, GM, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota ? includes such design visions as a vehicle with interchangeable, fully recyclable body coverings and one with algae-filled panels that transform harmful carbon dioxide into pure oxygen.

Also big business in the home of Hollywood: luxury vehicles, and there will be plenty on offer at the Los Angeles show, from the new Audi R8 premium performance coupe to the V8 Vantage roadster from Aston Martin. Also on display: the powerful Ferrari 599, lightweight Lotus Exige S and the Lamborghini?s new Murcielago LP640 roadster.

The TESLA gets a rave review:

http://www.latimes.com/classified/automotive/highway1/la-hy-neil29nov29,0,7930203.story?coll=la-home-highway1

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2006-11/26636899.jpg

[godblessbotox]

you would think and electric lotus would be cheaper.. i mean come on. $57,ooo for an electric motor and some batteries?

...but i still love it

[Joey313]

More car News
Los Angeles Auto Show Highlights Alternative-Fuel Vehicles
USAgNet - 12/01/2006

In 1907, a handful of technologies competed to run the newly-invented automobile. Each had its champions, and it was not clear which one would dominate--electricity, steam or gasoline. Fast forward 100 years and apparently little has changed.

The dominant theme at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, is the growing need for alternative-fuel vehicles to minimize the environmental impact of the automobile--an appropriate topic for a state where tough clean-air laws prevail and the market for environmentally friendly vehicles that run on hybrid gasoline-electric engines is thriving.

But after 100 years of the gas-powered internal combustion engine, the world's leading automobile manufacturers gathered in Southern California this week look as much in disagreement about the next big fuel to power automobiles as they were a century ago.

Just about every new fuel is on display in Los Angeles, from the latest hybrids to vehicles that run on hydrogen fuel cells, ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas or low-sulfur diesel. While some of these technologies, like hybrid engines, are widely used, others, like fuel-cell cars, which use hydrogen to create electricity and emit only water as a byproduct, are years from widespread adoption.

Most big automakers like General Motors, which used this year’s show to shift gears in its alternative-fuel strategy, announcing plans to make the production of electric vehicles a 'top priority,' are taking a 'kitchen sink' approach to alternative fuels said Rebecca Lindland, an automotive industry analyst at Global Insight.

[Wilko]

This is pretty exciting, the days of relying on middle east oil are comming to an end. How clean the air will be over Los Angeles!!

On the news about a month ago here, there was a segment on General Motors testing it's very own hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Any news on that?

[godblessbotox]

gm said at the la auto show that they are commitied to energy diversity. they want to do electric. hybrids. plugin hybrids. and hydrogen fuel cells.

hopfully they wont out of money too fast tring to build a car for every possible alternative.

hell why not steam cars too

[Damien]

Biggest mistake GM has made in the past 50 years was ending the EV program. They were years ahead of Toyota. Now look at them.

[godblessbotox]

no... gms biggest mistake was to have and endless chain of bureaucracy and making cars they thought people wanted rather then ones they do.

even if they did not kill the ev1. they would be so slow to update/improve it that toyota would still be crushing them

[logan1]

what is lame is the bush administration weak policies ,not realizing that Electric is the solution now. Hydrogen cars are not even close something like 20yrs. The car manufacturers and Oil lobbies could care less about our air quality. All they care about is making cash money. Consumers buying what they get fed. like Pigs to the slaughter. Combination of everyone not doing anything. The death of electric car movie is an eye opener.