Chrysler Group Halts Plug-in Hybrid Test Fleet after Discovering a Problem with the Batteries

The Chrysler Group has temporarily pulled the plug on its test fleet of advanced plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs) to fix a battery problem that occurred on a small number of models.

In particular, the Detroit-based carmaker said three of the fleet’s 109 pickups fitted with plug-in hybrid powertrains sustained damage when their prototype 12.9-kWh lithium-ion propulsion batteries overheated, adding that no injuries were reported with all incidents happening when the vehicles were unoccupied.

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Chrysler , Electric Vehicles , Hybrids , Ram , Ram Concepts , Reports

All-Electric iQ Revealed, but Only 100 will be Produced as Toyota Prefers to Focus on PHEVs

While electric vehicles may not yet have substantial range to be as versatile as hybrids or internal-combustion engine models, if the their use is confined in daily commute in cities, theoretically then, their range is more than enough to satisfy most drivers’ needs.

The iQ city car (sold under the Scion nameplate in North America) is designed specifically designed to be used in an urban environment. Prototypes were displayed at both the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show in the form of the FT-EV III concept and this year’s Geneva Auto Show. Now Toyota has officially revealed a plug-in all-electric variant – but it will not enter full production.

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Electric Vehicles , New Cars , Paris Auto Show , Reports , Toyota , Toyota Videos , Toyota-Scion iQ , Video

Peugeot Onyx Supercar Gets Scooter Concept Sibling, will Also Debut in Paris

The public outside of Europe may not generally know it, but Peugeot has a long history in the motorcycle segment having introduced its first bike back towards the end of the 1800s and continues to do so today offering 14 different models including scooters, multi-gear bikes and mopeds with engine capacities from 50cc to 500cc (0.5-liters).

At next week's 2012 Paris Motor Show, the French company will present a new prototype three-wheeler named the Onyx Concept Scooter, and yes, as you may have guessed already, it was inspired by the 680HP diesel-electric Onyx Hybrid Supercar Concept.

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Concepts , Electric Vehicles , Hybrids , motorcycles , Paris Auto Show , Peugeot , Peugeot Concepts

Nissan Shows Off e-NV200 Study at IAA in Hanover, Expands Cooperative Testing with FedEx

After a world premiere at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show in January, the Nissan e-NV200 pure-electric concept is now being displayed at this week's 64th IAA Commercial Vehicle International Motor Show in Hanover, Germany.

Along with the regular concept finished in white, Nissan is also showcasing an example decorated with Nissan and FedEx graphics and logos as the two companies announced an expansion of their cooperative testing.

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Concepts , Electric Vehicles , Nissan , Nissan Concepts , Nissan NV200

Mercedes-Benz to Display B-Class Electric Drive Concept in Paris, Production Model to Follow

Mercedes-Benz has chosen the Paris Auto Show to showcase an all-electric version of its compact MPV in the form of the B-Class Electric Drive concept.

The B-Class study is one of the first to receive the “Electric Drive” designation, which from now on will adorn all electric passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz and Smart.

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Concepts , Electric Vehicles , Mercedes , Mercedes B-Class , Mercedes Concept , Paris Auto Show

Citroen to Unveil DS3 Electrum Concept at the Paris Motor Show

While the DS3 Cabrio may steal most glances at Citroen’s Paris Auto Show stand, the brand with the double chevron logo will also display another interesting version of its stylish hatchback.

The DS3 Electrum is an all-electric plug-in concept of the firm's chic supermini. Its drivetrain features two 65 kW (87HP) electric motors on the front axle and a Panasonic 17.5 kWh lithium-ion battery that can be charged via a socket hidden under the classic fuel cap.

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Citroen , Citroen Concepts , Citroen DS , Citroen DS3 , Concepts , Electric Vehicles , Paris Auto Show

2011 World Auto Production Sets New Records, Global “Fleet” Could Top 1 Billion by Year’s End

The Worldwatch Institute reports that global production of passenger vehicles, i.e. cars and light commercial trucks, set a new record in 2011 with 76.8 million units compared to 74.4 million in 2010.

This means that at the end of 2011 a total of 691 million passenger cars were on roads all over the world, rising to 979 million if we include light- and heavy-duty trucks.

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China , Electric Vehicles , Hybrids , Reports , Study

Toyota Says Prius Plug-in Hybrid U.S. Sales Top 6,000 Units, Beats Volt and Leaf...or Did it?

A Toyota press release bragging about the achievements of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid variant since it went arrived in U.S. showrooms at the end of February states that the EPA-rated 95 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) Japanese hatchback has delivered 6,061 units in its first six months (March through August) on sale.

However, that's not what caught our attention; this is what did and we quote Toyota's press statement:

"This sales figure represents sales momentum that has propelled the Prius Plug-in to a stronger first full six-months sales pace (6,061 units) than Chevrolet Volt Plug-in (2,745 units) and the all-electric Nissan Leaf (3,875 units)."

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Chevrolet Volt , Electric Vehicles , GM , Hybrids , Nissan , Nissan Leaf , Reports , Toyota , Toyota Prius