Volvo's Car Solar Charger Vision

Alvin Huang's "Pure Tension Pavilion" Solar Charger (photo by Lani Garfieldl)

Volvo debuted a portable  vehicle solar charger designed   by architect Alvin Huang for the V60 diesel Plug-in Hybrid recently in Palm Springs.  The luxury auto manufacturer and Dwell Media sponsored the "Future of Mobility" at Modernism Week at the California convention.


Here a link to more information  and video from Dwell Media on Volvo's vision for solar charging of  electric vehicles: Future of Mobility.

Hawaii Looks To Charge Electric Vehicle Tax

The Hawaii state legislature is considering an electric vehicle tax to offset a decline in motor fuel tax revenue.  Here's a link to the Pacific Business News article on the controversy surrounding the proposed tax which would affect owners of cars like the electric Nissan Leaf.

Tesla Model S Tops According to Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports revealed its 2014 'Top Picks' for vehicles and Tesla's Model S won the top spot.  Consumer Reports tested a $89,650 version of the Model S. 

Here's the link to Consumer Reports 2014 Top Picks for more information about  all the tested vehicles.

Tesla Motors Stock Charged Up

Luxury electric vehicle maker Tesla Motors' stock (TSLA, NASDAQ) spiked to $211 today February 21, 2014.    Here is the link to the  company's 2013 financial results for the 4th quarter: Tesla 4th Quarter 2013.  Here's a YouTube video on Tesla production principles:

Tesla Motor's electric vehicle factory is the largest American auto manufacturing plant start-up in 90 years.

New 2016 Fuel Standards For Trucks Planned By Obama

Safeway announced a new more aerodynamic design for its delivery trucks, in time for proposed new fuel efficiency  standards in 2016.    President Obama highlights the fuel savings of the new truck design in this news video.

The truck design  has a decidedly "low rider" look that achieves significant fuel savings.

GM's Lutz Now VIA Motors' Chairman

After retiring from General Motors, Bob Lutz has started a second career as Chairman of electric vehicle maker VIA Motors. 





Bob Lutz with an electric Chevy Silverado (photo courtesy PR.com)



VIA manufactures a proprietary electric power train, V-Drive. It integrates the equipment into OEM  trucks, vans and SUVs.  The company then sells the electrified vehicles to fleets with the VTRUX brand name.

Lutz said "...VIA is electrifying the right end of the business and is implementing a very sound business strategy".

For electric vehicle savings and payback information here is the link for VIA Motors.



Cadillac ELR: GM Does The Electric Slide

For $76,000,  you will look upscale and  hot driving by in a blur with  power from the Cadillac ELR's instant torque.   GM introduced it's new  luxurious plug-in and gas hybrid Cadillac ELR in  a slick commercial spot during 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics' television programming. 

GM is very modest about the range for the ELR's electric motors, it's about 37 miles.    I appreciate the honesty about this part of the vehicle's performance. 

Total range with the electric motors and hybrid batteries is 340 miles according to the manufacturer.  Get more statistics about the total performance at the this GM link for the Cadillac ELR.

The Cadillac dealer in my area, Chicago's south suburbs, said that the ELR will be on his showroom floor in mid summer 2014.


GM shares  rarefied air along with luxury electric vehicle manufacturers Porsche, BMW and Tesla.   The Cadillac ELR is a first-class ride from all appearances.